Spain are aiming to win the tournament for the third time in a row after victories in 2018 and 2020, and started their latest defence with a narrow 28-26 win over the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic keeper Tomas Mrkva was named Player of the Match but despite his efforts, Spain were able to win a 13^th successive match at the championship in Bratislava, Slovakia.

There were a host of close contests on an exciting opening day of action, with 2020 semi-finalists Slovenia edging out North Macedonia 27-25 in Debrecen, Hungary.

Russia were also victorious by a two-point margin, beating Lithuania 29-27 in Kosice, Slovakia, in the process snapping a five-match losing streak in the competition.

Co-hosts Hungary were also involved in a close contest but were narrowly defeated by The Netherlands 31-28 in Budapest.

Luc Steins and Kay Smits were instrumental for the Dutch in a surprise result, as the Netherlands recorded their second win in four championship matches, having debuted at the last edition in 2020.

Fellow co-hosts Slovakia were also beaten, losing 35-25 to a Norway side that had been impacted by injuries and suspensions in Kosice.

Current men’s world champions Denmark were comfortable winners of their opening match, beating Montenegro 31-21 in Debrecen, while current men’s Olympic champions France were also victorious in their first match, overcoming Croatia 27-22 in Szeged.

Elsewhere on the opening day Sweden overcame Bosnia Herzegovina 30-18, while centre back Lazar Kukic produced a masterclass of a performance for Serbia, scoring seven goals and producing five assists as they defeated Ukraine 31-23.