Argentina's Ignacio Pizarro, left, goes out in front of Macedonia's Serafimov. Photo: EFE

Havana, January 18 (RHC) -- The Argentinean national team advanced on Tuesday to the round of 16 of the men's handball World Championship of Sweden and Poland 2023, by beating North Macedonia 35-26 in Group F.

The South Americans achieved their first victory in the tournament and will now face the Germans on Thursday in their first match against the three qualifiers of the E key.

Diego Simonet led the Albiceleste offense with eight goals in nine attempts, seconded by Federico Pizarro, who scored five goals in six shots.

This Tuesday ended the first phase of the world championship with full wins for Germany (section E), Denmark (zone H), Norway (F) and Egypt (G).

The Germans defeated the Algerians 37-21, the Danes defeated the Tunisians 34-21, the Norwegians defeated the Dutch (27-26) and the Egyptians defeated the Americans (35-16).

Twenty-four of the 32 participants advanced to the second round. The top three from group A and the top three from group B will be drawn together to form pool one; each team will carry over the points from the first stage and will play exclusively against the teams it has not yet faced.

On the other hand, the zones of C and D will form pool two, those of E and F will form pool three, and those of G and H will form pool four.

Results of the day:

Group E:

Qatar - Serbia 24-34.
Algeria - Germany 21-37.
Group F:

Netherlands - Norway 26-27.
North Macedonia - Argentina 26-35.
Group G:

Croatia - Morocco 36-24.
United States - Egypt 16-35.
Group H:

Tunisia - Denmark 21-34.
Belgium - Bahrain 28-30.