Victory for the Norwegian team eliminated South Korea from the tournament.

The 2017 world silver medallists were led by their captain Stine Oftedal, who scored seven goals and was named player of the match at Aqua Dome Kumamoto.

They now top the Group I standings with six points, with one round of matches left to play.

One point behind them in second place are Germany, who were in front as late as the 59th minute against Serbia before their opponents snatched a 29-28 victory with a last-second goal from centre back Kristina Liščević.

Serbia are now level on four points with 2017 bronze medallists the Netherlands, who lost 27-24 to Denmark.

Denmark are in fifth place with three points, while South Korea are sixth with two points and can no longer reach the top two positions that ensure a semi-final berth.

Group I is due to conclude on Wednesday (December 11), when the Netherlands face South Korea before Serbia meet Denmark and Norway go up against Germany.

Group II action resumes tomorrow, with leaders Russia facing third-placed Montenegro, second-placed Spain meeting hosts Japan and Sweden going up against Romania.

France, whose defence of their title folded when they failed to reach the two main draw groups, beat Hungary 26-21 in the 13^th-place play-off, while Angola defeated Argentina 30-27 in the 15^th-place play-off.

Brazil overcame Senegal 22-18 in the 17^th-place play-off and there were also wins for Slovenia, Cuba and China in the 19^th, 21^st and 23^rd-place play-offs, respectively.

Slovenia beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 29-27, while Cuba defeated Kazakhstan 33-31 and China overcame Australia 33-15.