KEY POINTS:
Defending Olympic champion Croatia held off Spain 31-29 in the opening game of Olympic men's handball.
Croatia led 16-11 at halftime, but Spain rallied to level at 29 in the closing minutes. Igor Vori scored in the 58th minute, then Domagoj Duvnjak scored in the final minute to seal the win for the Croatians.
Germany, the 2007 world champion, defeated South Korea 27-23. The score was tied at 19 before Florian Kehrmann scored three of his four goals in the final five minutes to give the Germans a decisive boost.
Snorri Steinn Gudjonsson scored on all 12 of his shots as Iceland defeated 2004 bronze medallist Russia 33-31.
France defeated Brazil 34-26 after leading 19-11 at halftime. Olivier Girault scored seven goals in eight attempts.
Poland dominated host China 33-19. Poland led 21-10 at halftime, and led by as many as 16 points in the second half.
Denmark and Egypt drew 23-23. Ahmed El Ahmar scored to give Egypt a 23-22 lead in the final minute, but Lars Rosylng Christiansen answered for Denmark.
- AGENCIES
