Defending champions France started the European Championships in Poland with the expected victory. World handball player Nikola Karabatic’s team won their opening game in Group A against Macedonia 30:23 (12:12) in Kraków on Friday. In front of 9000 spectators, circle runner Cedric Sorhaindo was the best thrower with six goals in world and European champions France, where Luka Karabatic saw red in the 60th minute after three time penalties. World Cup record goalscorer Kiril Lazarov scored nine times for Macedonia.