"The match with Belarus will be the real test for my guys," head coach Boris Denić had repeatedly announced ahead of the championships.

After a fierce fight between two equals the first ten minutes into the game, Slovenia dominated the first period, building a nine-goal lead by half-time.

Slovenia's defence was flawless so that Belarus star player Siarhei Rutenka did not manage to score until the end of the 27th minute.

After a poor start in the second half, Denić called a time-out to get his team back on track. From there on, the victory was all but certain.

Slovenia's best scorer Dragan Gajič scored 15 goals, including nine in as many tries in the first half. Goalkeeper Gorazd Škof was efficient as well, keeping his gates empty for ten minutes in the first period.

After a day off, Slovenia will face Qatar on Monday.

Slovenia are defending fourth place from Spain two years ago, their biggest success so far at world championships.