Last 8 at Women's World Championship all stem from Europe

Last 8 at Women's World Championship all stem from Europe

The Women's World Championship 2015 in Denmark has turned into all-European affair as the tournament reaches its quarter-final stage.

All 13 European participants had made it into the Last 16, but while there were some very closely fought all-European encounters, the biggest set-up in this first knockout stage happened in the game between Romania and defending champions Brazil.

Romania had finished the group phase only ranked fourth, while Brazil had gone through undefeated.

However, when both teams met on Sunday, there was no difference to be seen. Romania had already carved out a 13:8 lead by the break and eventually prevailed 25:22 in particular courtesy of some brilliant saves of Paula Ungureanu in the game's dying minutes.

In Sunday's other matches Netherlands produced a brilliant performance to send Serbia home 36:20, while hosts Denmark beat EHF EURO 2014 bronze medallists Sweden 26:19 and EHF EURO 2014 champions Norway beat Germany 28:22.

In Monday's matches the game between France and EHF EURO 2014 silver medallists Spain turned into a true thriller.

At 21:21 there was one minute left to play with France in possession. As the clock wound down, France was given a penalty which Alexandra Lacrabère converted to grant France a 22:21 win.

Montenegro (38:28 against Angola) and Russia (30:25 against South Korea) knocked the two remaining non-European teams out of the tournament, while Poland beat Hungary 24:23.

The quarter-finals are played on Wednesday, 16 December. In Herning Poland play Russia followed by Denmark against Romania.

In Kolding Netherlands meet France and Norway play against Montenegro.

For more information on the Women's World Championship visit the IHF's website as well the official tournament web presence.

Photos: Jan Christensen courtesy of DHF