Russia, Ukraine in semis

The teams recorded their second Group B victories in as many days to reach Saturday's last four stage, making Thursday's match between the sides largely irrelevant.

World champions Russia defeated the Netherlands 41-32 with Liudmila Bodnieva scoring six.

The Ukraine were 39-31 winners against Brazil in a high quality affair, the Europeans running clear in the second half.

Both nations are using the eight-team invitational tournament as preparation for the European Championships which start in Gothenburg on December 7.

They were joined in the last four by Romania and Denmark.

Romania, who have failed to qualify for next month's European Championships after losing to Serbia in a play-off, defeated Sweden 28-20.

They were eight ahead at the interval and maintained their advantage in the second period with Valentina-Neli Ardean-Elisei scoring ten.

Henriette Mikkelsen was again the heroine for Olympic champions Denmark with eight goals as they beat Poland 28-26.