Croatia set for French semis

Getty Images / Getty Images Europe

Two-time gold medallists Croatia's hopes of adding a third to their collection remain intact as they booked a semi-final date with France in men's handball.

The Europeans, winners in Atalanta and Athens, were not tested by their African opponents Tunisia and their unbeaten record at London 2012 was never threatened in a 25-23 game that rounded off a superb day's action.
Indeed, they progressed to the last eight following a flawless Group B campaign, while Tunisia's qualification was only decided after a final-day shoot-out against Argentina.
France stayed on course to successfully defend their title as Olympic champions after a last-gasp 23-22 quarter-final win over a spirited Spain.
An even contest was heading for extra-time with the scores tied at 22-22 going into the final 30 seconds, but the 2008 gold medallists had time for one more attack and when a rebound fell to William Accambray he threw in to send his team through to the last four.
It was harsh on Spain as they led until the 45th minute yet must now pack their bags and head home.
Hungary are through to the semi-finals of the men's handball tournament after an epic 34-33 double extra-time victory over Beijing silver medallists Iceland in the Basketball Arena.
The Nordic team was on the verge of going through in normal time, leading 27-26 and having a penalty with just 15 seconds remaining, but it was missed and Hungary forced the additional period three seconds from the end.
With the tie still level in the second of two five-minute halves of extra-time, Hungary finally made their move to win by a single goal and send the Basketball Arena crazy.
Iceland, tipped for gold, advanced through Group A of the preliminary stage with a 100% record, which included beating France in a re-run of the Beijing 2008 gold medal match, while Hungary needed a final-day win over Serbia to book their place in the last eight.
Three-time silver medallists Sweden remain on course to add to that medal haul after edging a Scandinavian thriller with Denmark in the men's quarter-final at the Basketball Arena.
A tight contest throughout was effectively decided by Niklas Ekberg's shot into an empty net with just over a minute to play, setting up a semi-final clash with Hungary and ending Denmark's challenge for gold.
Ulrik Wilbek's side, winners of the European Championship in January, did not have the best of it in the preliminary stage and they qualified second in Group B, with a minus goal difference, while Sweden lost twice on their way to third position in Group A.