For European champions Germany it was a third win from three games and they even partially rested their star winger Uwe Gensheimer, who nevertheless racked up four goals in 30 minutes and oversaw a first half where the result was wrapped up with the score 21-13 at the break.

Germany coach Dagur Sigurdsson said: "It was difficult to keep up the concentration high in this game, but this was quite normal after we had a similar match against Chile.

"Now we have to step up and show a higher quality against Belarus tomorrow."

It means neither regional rivals Bahrain nor the Argentines can catch them in the standings.

Tunisia could have secured a last-16 spot too but for a late collapse after they let slip a 28-23 lead in the last five minutes as Slovenia fought back to force a thrilling 28-28 draw.

That means Macedonia are also through to the next round without throwing a further ball, while Tunisia can now be overtaken by Iceland.