Argentina reach World Cup last 16

Doha (AFP) - Argentina clinched a 30-27 win over Russia to reach the handball World Cup last 16 on Saturday, their fourth run to the knockout stages in 10 appearances.

The South Americans have never managed better than a 12th place at the tournament and they will have their work cut out if they are to make the quarter-finals with European champions France up next.

France ended the first round on top of Group C with a narrow 27-25 win against Sweden.

For Argentina, Diego Simonet scored six goals with Federico Pizzaro on target nine times.

Other last-16 matches will see Austria face hosts Qatar, Slovenia will take on Macedonia, world champions Spain will play Tunisia with Croatia meeting Brazil.

The other ties pit Germany against Egypt, Poland clash with Sweden while Iceland take on Denmark.