Defending Olympic handball champions Denmark defeated France 28-26 to seal a semi-final with Korea.
As the score indicates, this was always a closely fought encounter although the Danes were never actually behind.
The difference between the two sides was the ability of experienced left wing Anette Hoffmann Moberg and pivot Tonje Kjaergaard.
In the first half alone Denmark raced away to convert six out of seven breaks.
And Danish goalkeeper Lene Rantala, a stand out in previous games, was able to hold up French progress.
Hostile
But despite a hostile crowd France didn't give up and were within one point with 10 minutes to go and two points with five minutes left on the clock, setting up an enjoyable finale.
Nodjialem Myaro pegged it back to one with three minutes left and Veronique Pecqueux-Rolland levelled it 23-23 with 76 seconds remaining.
Another goal apiece in the last 45 seconds sent the match into extra time but Denmark kept its composure, netting three to France's one in the first five minute extra-time session.
They added two more each in the second period for a Danish victory.
Although it was France's first Olympic campaign they were fancied to win a medal after taking silver behind Norway at the world championships last year.
The South Koreans comfortably beat Brazil and Hungary disposed of Austria in the other semi-finals.