Pretty much went with the script today …

Germany 28:23 Macedonia
It was 8 minutes in before Macedonia opened their account, by which time they were 4:0 down.  The result was never really in doubt from that point on.  Kiril Lazarov top-scored again for Macedonia with 8 taking his tournament tally to 44.

Brazil 26:27 Russia
Brazil missed a shot with 5 seconds left that would have tied the game.  Russia were never allowed to get away in a match they would have expected to win comfortably.  They were very grateful for 13 saves from Igor Levshin.  A slightly better save percentage from the Brazilians (they managed 25%) and we could have been looking at a shock.

Iceland 28:30 France
After a match of struggle, Iceland drew level 26:26 with about six minutes left.  Whereupon France weathered the storm – which sort of fizzled out anyway – to emerge victors.  They’re looking good as favourites.

Denmark 30:23 Tunisia
The match too far for Tunisia.  A comfortable win for Denmark who will now face the winner of Poland v Belarus and must be careful not to be thinking about the likelihood of the semi final beyond that.