Meline Nocandy of France in action with Merel Freriks of the Netherlands during their handball women’s quarterfinal match. France won 32-22 and advanced to the semi-finals.
TOKYO- - The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) eased into their third semi-final in the last four editions of the women's Olympic handball competition with a 32-26 victory over Montenegro to set up a blockbuster clash with two-times champions Norway.
Sweden then thrashed Asian giants South Korea 39-30 at the Yoyogi National Stadium and will take on Rio 2016 runners-up France in Friday's other semi-final.
France outclassed world champions the Netherlands 32-22 in their quarter-final to remain on course for a maiden gold medal at the Games.
The Russian women - competing as representatives of the ROC without their flag and anthem due to doping sanctions - endured a tough start to their title defence in Tokyo but have slowly rediscovered their rhythm.
With their attack and defence firing on all cylinders, the ROC side gave Montenegro no chance as right back Anna Vyakhireva pumped in eight goals and made four assists to secure their fourth straight win.
"The energy, spirit and desire, I can see that in everyone's eyes. This is the most important thing, when you fight for every centimetre of the court," Vyakhireva said.
"I want this like hell. I'm going to eat the floor in the next match. I really want to go through."
The Russians beat Norway 38-37 in overtime in the Rio semis and coach Alexey Alekseev said he was relishing the rematch as they bid to end the Scandinavian side's hopes of a record-equalling third gold.
"They're also a team full of real people so they don't play without mistakes. They're not robots and this isn't a computer game. We'll try to repeat our success," Alekseev said.
"Norway are strong, no one would dispute that but we have our own trump cards as well."
The unbeaten Norwegians, champions in 2008 and 2012, carried their superb group stage form into the last-eight with a 26-22 win over Hungary as goalkeeper Katrine Lunde came on in the second half to make five crucial saves.
Lunde said the chance to avenge their defeat by Russia in 2016 was the motivation they needed.
"It's a defeat that we won't forget about," Lunde said. "We always want to find a way to beat them. There's a lot to play for and we really want to get to that final."
Sweden reached the semis for the first time with a dominant show against South Korea with all 12 outfield players scoring.
