Favourites Spain ended the preliminary round undefeated, confirming their status as the most serious contender for the title, while Slovenia finished third in group A.

Spain led from start to finish, taking advantage of stellar play by their goalie Gonzalo Perez de Vargas. Slovenia came close only in three minutes before the end, reducing Spain's lead to 27:25.

Slovenia have not been as dominant as expected and wrapped up the preliminary stage with three wins (Chile, Belarus and Brazil) and two losses (Qatar and Spain).

Slovenia will play Macedonia in the knock-out stage on Sunday as Macedonia defeated Austria in group B later today to take second place and get Slovenia in the round of 16.

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