Reigning Olympic gold medallist Croatia outscored European champions Denmark 26-24 in the quarterfinal of Beijing Olympic men's handball event on Wednesday, taking vengeance for the loss of European title six months ago.

"We played Denmark six months ago in the European final, so we knew we could beat them this time. I was very happy with the result," said Croatian coach Lino Cervar, whose team surrendered 20-24 in the final of 2008 European Championship.

Participating in Olympic Games twice and winning two gold medals, Croatia is the most efficient team in Olympic history. And left wing Goran Sprem turned out to be the most efficient Croatian player in today's game, snatching three goals in the opening five minutes to give his team a 3-1 lead.

"In the preliminaries we didn't play that well, but now the tournament has started for us. We'll try our best and then we will see where we end up,"said 29-year-old Sprem, who netted home seven times to top the scoring tally.

Croatian star center back Invano Balic, who missed three preliminaries matches due to a leg injury, appeared fully recovered in the court. Although only scored two goals, the 1.90-meter playmaker is the engine in the team's attacking.

"We will take a toast, but just one, because we have another match," said Cervar, whose team will face third placer of the 2008 European Championship France in Friday's semifinal.

The French team also revenged a sour defeat four years ago, downing Russia 27-24 to enter the semifinals.

It was the second time in a row for the two teams to clash in the quarterfinal of Olympic Games. France was shut out 24-26 by the Russians four years ago at Athens, although leading the first half 14-13.

"The memory of the defeat was still fresh for us. But today we walked out of the shadow. In Athens, the Russian team was more seasoned than us. Our team become mature now, while the opponent is in a transitional period," said France coach Claude Onesta, whose team finished fifth in 2004 Games.

Experience was the key to the French side's victory. After leading 13-10 by the break, they avoided a repeat of the history by holding the second half firmly in control and maintaining their three goal advantage till the end of the game.

Center back Danniel Narcisse of France netted in nine goals to top the scoring list, while right wing Abalo Luc also added seven.

"We come here to win a medal, a gold will be the best. The whole squad are in a good condition with no major injuries but high morale," said Onesta.

"Dark horse" Iceland not only tasted the feeling of revenge, but also seized the chance to make history. The Icelanders upset Poland, runner-up of 2007 World Championship, 32-30 in the rematch of an Olympic qualification game played this May, in which Iceland conceded 28-34.

"Yes, we lost to them. But it was in Wroclaw, their homeland. But we knew we could beat them. Our players were extremely focus and very determined. I'm proud of them," said Gudmundur Gudmundsson, coach of Iceland.

Having taken part in Olympic handball tournaments for five times, Iceland's best placing is the fourth in 1996 in Barcelona. Now, they have the chance to make history in Beijing, if they could grab a win in either of the following two games.

Spain is the only team that turned down their avenging opponent today. The Spanish enjoy an all-win record in the formal eight encounters against South Korea, including two wins in the 7-8 placement and a preliminary game at Athens Games. And in today's match, they trounced the South Korea 29-24, thanks to winger Albert Rocas who scored eight goals and led a 7-0 surge midway in the second half to dismay the Asians.

The semifinal between Iceland and Spain is also scheduled on Friday in the National Indoor Stadium.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2008)