France to play Sweden for handball gold

London, England – France and Sweden will play for the men's handball gold medal after both won semifinal matches Friday at the London Olympics.

France won the title four years ago in Beijing, and will have a chance to defend its gold after earning a 25-22 victory over Croatia. Samuel Honrubia scored four times, including in the 59th minute to give France a five-goal advantage.

Croatia was the only team in the semifinals with an undefeated record in preliminary play.

Sweden held on for a 27-26 win to end Hungary's dream run -- it was the only semifinal participant to finish fourth in its group.

Kim Ekdahl du Rietz's tally in the 60th minute gave the Swedes a crucial two- goal buffer.

Sweden is now assured of a men's handball medal, something it hasn't claimed since 2000, when it earned the last of three consecutive silvers.

The goal medal match takes place Sunday afternoon, while Hungary and Croatia will play for bronze in the late morning.