The semifinal duels between France-Denmark and Spain-Norway are in the spotlight of fans and specialists today, just as the women's handball World Championship comes to a boil.

Havana, December 17 (RHC)-- The semifinal duels between France-Denmark and Spain-Norway are in the spotlight of fans and specialists today, just as the women's handball World Championship comes to a boil.

At the Palacio de los Deportes, the four European teams arrive at this stage undefeated and as leaders of their respective groups in the main round.

However, for many, France and the hosts Spain are the favorites due to their status as reigning Olympic queens and runners-up, respectively.

First up, coach Olivier Krumbholz's France, with seven wins without defeat, will take on the Danish side (six wins and one draw) in a bid to reach Sunday's final for the sixth time.

The 2003 and 2017 universal titleholders returned to the main draw after finishing 13th in the Kumamoto version two years ago.

On the opposite court, Denmark will be a demanding opponent with one of the best efficiency (68) in shots on goal in the competition and without a medal since the bronze medal in 2013.

Under the leadership of Pauletta Foppa (22), Grace Zaadi (22) and Coralie Lassource (21) as top scorers of the team, France will bet on speed and strength in defense to try to stop a Denmark team that has scored 224 goals in the tournament with Laerke Pedersen, owner of 28, playing a leading role.

Coach Jesper Jensen's Danes, by being among the top four at the Spanish event, have already improved on their ninth place finish at the last tournament in Kumamoto and have been in the top 10 in competitions at this level since 2005.

The other duel reedited the semifinal of the 2019 competition when the "Warriors" beat the Norwegian team 28-22, valid to enter for the first time to the dispute of the title and get a silver medal that is the best performance of the Spanish in 10 previous presentations.

The Norwegians, Europe's reigning champions, will take to the court in search of revenge against the hosts with their fourth consecutive place in the semifinals, and their seventh in the last eight editions of the women's handball World Championship.

In 27 official matches, Norway has dominated Spain with 20 wins, two draws and five losses.

The winners of these semifinal matches will compete for the crown of the 25th edition of these universal competitions, while the losers will compete for the bronze medal.

Both matches will take place on Sunday at the Palacio de los Deportes de Granollers.