Heading into tonightÂ’s handball semis, the Danish side know that victory over France, and a Norwegian defeat of Spain, will ensure qualification for the 2012 Olympics.

Norway, who are strong favourites to beat Spain in their semi, have already qualified courtesy of being the reigning European champions. Like Denmark, they remain undefeated in the 2011 World Women’s Handball Championship, but unlike Denmark, have never looked like losing.

While Denmark comfortably defeated Angola 28-23 on Wednesday evening, their final 16 game against Japan two days earlier (23-22) went down to the wire, as did their final group game against Sweden (20-19) last Friday.