France advances in team handball tourney

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LONDON, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- William Accambray scored with a second remaining Wednesday to put France into the Olympic men's team handball semifinals with a 23-22 win over Spain.

The defending gold medal winners from France were in danger of missing out on a medal when they fell behind by three points at halftime.

After taking a two-goal lead late in the contest, the French gave up the lead and then had to rely on a final shot to prevent overtime.

Croatia fought off Tunisia 25-23 to earn a semifinal meeting with France.

The other semifinal Friday will send Hungary against Sweden, Hungary having survived with a double overtime, 34-33 victory over Iceland. Sweden advanced with a 24-22 decision over Denmark.

Hungary had a one-goal lead and was awarded a penalty shot with 15 seconds left in regulation. But that shot was missed and Iceland tied the game to send it into overtime.

The semifinal game between France and Croatia will bring together the two most recent Olympic gold medal winners.