Croats take control

Despite the defeat, they will be confident of grabbing second spot in the group and a place in the last eight.

Spain stormed to the early lead and held a steady three-point advantage until the midway point of the first half. However, profligate finishing and suspect transition defence allowed Croatia back into the game, with Blazenko Lackovic netting a superb finish to level at 13-13 seven minutes before the break.

The superb Lackovic ended with nine goals, as did Spanish talisman Juan Garcia, whose second-half heroics kept his side in touch.

Mirza Dzomba finally made the safe with 90 seconds on the clock, despatching a penalty to make it 33-30. Albert Rocas's late consolation was of little consequence.

Spain face Argentina in their final group game, knowing a win should take them through to the quarters. Third-placed Sweden must topple the mighty Croats and hope Spain slip up to pip them.

In Group D, Serbia and Montenegro made short work of Brazil, sweeping them aside 33-19. They still face an uphill battle making the knockout stages after falling to Egypt in their second match.