The first phase of the World Championship for handball players in groups E, F, G and X ended tonight, and the selection of Croatia, despite the defeat from Japan with 28:26, secured a place in the second round.

In the second - main round of the World Cup which is played in Spain, two groups were formed. In the first are Germany and Denmark which have four points, Hungary and South Korea with two points, and the Czech Republic and Congo have no points.

In the second group are: Spain and Brazil with four points each, Japan and Argentina with two points each, Croatia and Austria do not bring points.

The handball players of Croatia after the defeat from Brazil defeated Cameroon and tonight in a direct duel with Japan decided who will bring two points in the second - main round of the World Cup. The first half ended in a draw 14:14, and in the second half Croatia gained an advantage of 20:23, but then stopped. The crisis of the Croatians was used by the Japanese to make a turnaround and come to a triumph of 28:26.

The best in Japan were Kaho Nakayama with nine goals and Yumi Kaihara with four goals. On the opposite side, the most efficient were Larisa Kaaus with six, Ana Turk with five, Katarina Jezic and Ana Debelic with four goals.
The other participants in the second-main round of the World Cup will be known after playing tomorrow's matches.

Results:
Group E
Czech Republic - Slovakia 24:23
Germany - Hungary 25: 24
Table: Germany 6, Hungary 4, Czech Republic 2, Slovakia 0.

Group F
Tunisia - Congo 24:33
Denmark - South Korea 35:23
Table: Denmark 6, South Korea 4, Congo 2, Tunisia 0.

Group G.
Brazil - Paraguay 33:19
Croatia - Japan 26:28
Table: Brazil 6, Japan 4, Croatia 2, Paraguay 0.

Group X
Argentina - China 36:24
Spain - Austria 31:19
Table: Spain 6, Argentina 4, Austria 2, China 0.