After France beat Sweden 31-25, Denmark versus Russia became a winner-takes-all affair.

And it was the Danes who were victorious, taking an early lead and growing it to win 30-23.

Daria Dmitrieva scored nine goals for Russia, but fifth place is the best finish the Olympic champions can now achieve.

Defending champions France had looked in danger of coming unstuck against Sweden beforehand, with the scores were level at the break, but an improved second-half showing saw them advance as Group 2 winners.

Montenegro and Spain drew 26-26 in the group's other match.

In Group 1, Norway were already assured top spot but still put Hungary to the sword, winning 32-21 as Nora Mørk, the tournament's leading scorer, added seven more goals to move her tally to 42.

Norway have won all six of their games at the tournament are are the only team to have done so; fellow unbeaten side France drew with Russia in this second group phase.

Germany needed to beat Croatia by three goals or more to reach the semi-finals, but lost 23-20.

That result sends Croatia through to a first-ever European Championship semi-final and also saw Germany leapfrogged by The Netherlands.

The Dutch beat Romania 35-24 and will face Russia in the fifth-place match.

France and Croatia will square off in one semi-final, with Norway and Denmark to clash in the other.

All three of those matches are scheduled to take place in Herning on Saturday (December 18).