Håndboldkvinderne from the Netherlands and Spain surprised in the WORLD cup semi-finals with victories over Russia and Norway.

Håndboldkvinderne from the Netherlands and Spain on Sunday fight for the CHAMPIONSHIP gold in Japan.

In Friday’s semi-finals supplied the two countries each a surprise of the store.

the Dutch beat the previously undefeated russians with 33-32, while Spain was more sovereign against Norway, who were beaten with 28-22.

the Norwegians collapsed in the second half against the spaniards after the 13-13 at the break.

Spain had along the way built up a lead of 27-19. The norwegians, however, was decorated a bit on the outcome in the final phase.

It was more exciting in the second semi-final, which was decided 15 seconds before the time, when Laura van der Heijden arranged for the Dutch victory, with the match the final scoring.

Midway in the second half it began otherwise to tip Russia’s way, as it managed to get ahead by two goals.

But the Dutch did not give up, and with ten minutes left brought Debbie Bont Holland in front 27-26.

Both Holland and Spain have delivered volatile performance during the WORLD cup. The spaniards lost on Wednesday with ten goals for Russia, while the Dutch lost to Denmark, Slovenia and Germany.

/ritzau/