Norway finishes 5-0 in women's handball pool play

BEIJING (AP) Norway defeated Romania 24-23 Sunday in a matchup of unbeatens in Olympic women's handball.

Kristine Lunde scored the game winner in the 58th minute of a match that was tied nine times in the second half. The Norwegians (5-0) won Group A and finished as the only unbeaten, untied team.

Romania (4-1) had won its pool play matches by an average of 10 goals. Both squads advanced to the quarterfinals, which begin Tuesday.

China (2-3) defeated France (2-3) 21-18 in must-win match for the hosts. Both teams both qualified for the quarterfinals in Group A.

Kazakhstan tied Angola 24-24, a result that meant both Group A teams failed to reach the medal round. Kazakhstan (1-3-1) needed a win to have a chance, and led 24-21 before Angola (0-4-1) closed with three goals, including the game-tying score by Ilda Maria Bengue, in the 59th minute.

The Group B winner was Russia after a 30-29 win over Germany. Natalia Shipilova scored the game-winner in the final minute for the Russians (4-0-1). Germany (1-4) was eliminated from medal contention.

In other Group B action, Sweden eliminated Brazil with a 25-22 win and South Korea defeated Hungary 33-22.

Sweden and Brazil were tied at 18 in the 45th minute before Sweden (2-3) held on to earn a quarterfinal berth and knock Brazil (1-3-1) out of contention for a medal.

South Korea (3-1-1) and Hungary (2-2-1) both have qualified for the quarterfinals.

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.