Olympic champions France remain undefeated at the IHF Women's World Championship ©Getty Images

The Netherlands - defending world champions - were held to a draw by Sweden, while Puerto Rico, Kazakhstan and Poland all booked spots in the main round with their first wins of the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women's World Championship in Spain.

Puerto Rico overcame Uzbekistan 30-24 in Torrevieja to finish third in Group D.

The Dutch and Sweden topped the group, and their draw means both sides carry three points into the main round.

Elin Hansson scored a late equaliser for Sweden, who also rode eight goals from Jamina Roberts.

European champions Norway carry forward four points after beating Romania 33-22 in Castelló.

Kazakhstan secured the final main-round spot from Group C by knocking off Iran 31-25, with Irina Alexandrova scoring eight goals.

Poland finished third in Group B thanks to a 33-19 victory over Cameroon, with Romana Roszak scoring nine times in Llíria.

The Russian Handball Federation (RHF) topped the group, thanks to seeing off Serbia 32-22.

Angola were knocked out of Group A despite earning a 25-25 draw with Slovenia in Granollers.

Ana Gros scored 12 goals for Slovenia.

A narrow win would not have been enough for Angola to advance, given their 10-goal loss to Montenegro earlier in the tournament.

Montenegro lost 24-19 against Olympic champions France today, meaning they advance but will carry forward no points.

France, like the RHF team, carry four points into the main round.

The main round features four six-team groups, and gets underway tomorrow.