Qatar have avoided both the defending champions, Spain, who beat Denmark 25-24 with a winner two seconds from time by Joan Canellas, and France, the Olympic and European champions, who comfortably defeated Slovenia 32-23.

Poland, who reached these Championships after beating Germany in a play-off, were subsequently beaten by the Germans - late wild card entrants - in their group match, but a determined performance in a strenuously contested quarter-final against Croatia saw them advance into the last four with a 24-22 win.

A crowd of 15,000 at the purpose-built Lusail Arena saw Qatar come through against a previously all-conquering German side thanks in part to an inspired display by their goalkeeper, Danijel Saric.

After a whirlwind first half, Qatar went in 18-14 ahead, but the Germans came back after the break to narrow the lead to a point before the hosts pulled away again, with Saric - player-of-the-match - frustrating his opponents again and again.

Spain's Joan Canellas, whose goal gave the world champions a 25-24 win over Denmark sending them them through to meet Olympic gold medallists France in the semi-finals ©Qatar2015

"I am very happy for the team, for the Federation, for the country," said Qatar's coach Valero Rivera, who guided Spain to the title two years ago on home soil and whose son, of identical name, is a key member of the Spanish team.

"Because this country helps the sport, this country deserves to be the first team for Asia that plays a semi-final in a World Championship."

For a few seconds it looked as if Rivera's son had scored the winning goal in Spain's quarter-final as he struck inside the final minute to make it 24-23.

But Mads Mensah responded to make it 24-24, only for Canellas to crush Danish hopes with a final flourish that helped him win the man-of-the-match award.

This was a re-run of the 2013 World Championships final, but unlike that occasion, when Spain won with relative ease, this match was fiercely contested all the way.

"We knew the game was going to be tough and we were ready," said Spain's goalkeeper Perez de Vargas Gonzalo.

"We deserved a win because we concentrated up to the final whistle and made it."

"I'm angry but mostly disappointed," said Danish pivot Jesper Noddesbo.

"I think we played a fine match but we gave away some stupid goals in a few situations."

Denmark will now have to lift themselves for the minor placing matches, as they count this year towards Olympic qualification.

Henrik Toft shows the Danish despair in the aftermath of their dramatic quarter-final defeat in the World Handball Championships by Spain in Lusail ©Getty Images

Poland progressed from a very even match after keeping their nerve in the closing stages.

"I feel really happy, I am so proud for the team," said Polish line player Kamil Syprzak.

"We managed to stay together and united for the whole game and I think that was the key to our victory."

Croatia's right wing Ivan Cupic commented: "The game was played goal for goal.

"We hit the post, they hit the goal and we lost.

"However, we weren't at the level as we should have been."

The French progressed following another superb performance from their defence, featuring Nikola and Luka Karabatic, and their goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer, who performed at the top of his form once again.

The favourites were never seriously troubled by Slovenia throughout, taking an early 6-1 lead and keeping comfortably ahead.

Both semi-finals are due to take place on Friday (January 30) with hosts Qatar first up against Poland at 6.30pm local time, followed at 9pm by France against Spain. 

Contact the writer of this story at mike.rowbottom@insidethegames


Related stories
January 2015: Jicha lifts President's Cup for Czech Republic after penalty drama in World Handball Championships
January 2015: Goalkeeper stars as wild cards Germany join top seeds in World Handball quarter-finals
January 2015: Hosts Qatar make World Handball Championship last eight for first time
January 2015: Argentina beat Russia to claim last qualifying place at World Handball Championship
January 2015: Spain and Croatia qualify unbeaten at World Handball Championships