Iceland had never beaten France at the tournament before their meeting in Budapest, but changed that record with a comfortable 29-21 win.

After establishing a 17-10 lead at the break, Iceland controlled the second half and defeated France for the first time since the group stage of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Ingi Magnusson top scored in the match for Iceland with 10 goals, while Viggo Kristjánsson netted nine.

Goalkeeper Viktor Hallgrímsson also impressed for Iceland, making 15 saves in the contest and being named player of the match.

Also in Group I, The Netherlands overcame the loss of various players, including two goalkeepers plus their coach, because of coronavirus, to defeat Montenegro 34-30 and earn their first-ever main-round win.

Dutch goalkeeper Thijs Van Leeuwen, playing in his first European Championship match, impressed with 14 saves, and was subsequently named player of the match.

World champions Denmark won the other game in the group, edging past Croatia 27-25.

Mikkel Hansen scored eight goals for the Danes and was named their player of the match.

Denmark now hold the sole lead of Group I with six points, with France and Iceland next on four points each.

They are followed by The Netherlands and Montenegro, both on two points, with Croatia bottom on zero, but still mathematically able to qualify for the next stage.

Three more main-round games are scheduled tomorrow in Group II, with Poland facing Russia, Germany taking on Sweden and Spain up against Norway.