France advanced to the last eight having topped Group A - and going unbeaten in the process - while Denmark took the fourth qualification spot in Group B.

To say the least, France were heavily favourites to make it past the hosts.

However, they quickly found out this was not going to be a walkover after the match was tied by the end of the first quarter and then the second.

The home crowd, sensing something special could be on the cards, were in full voice and continued to push the Danes.

Sebastian Frederiksen stole possession to extend Denmark's one point lead to two with just six minutes remaining.

France, who had their backs to the wall, galvanised and levelled the score at 44-44.

Yet, Denmark were unfazed by their opponents and restored a two-point lead with roughly 90 seconds to go.

France, on the brink of elimination, came in clutch to equalise 49-49 and send the match into overtime.

Even though anxiety could briefly be felt in the arena, the Danes continued to remain focused and managed to put the game to bed by creating a three-point deficit.

The match eventually ended 55-53 in Denmark's favour.

The hosts' next uphill challenge will be to upset Australia.

The world number four side produced their own sparkling result, beating Britain 54-45.

Australia set the tone of the match from the off, taking an initial 29-24 lead.

Their dominance only grew as the Britons failed to break down a cohesive Australian side.

On the other side of the bracket, defending champions Japan eased past New Zealand 58-38.

They are due to face Paralympic silver medallists United States, who edged Canada 53-51 in a close encounter.

One point separated the two teams at the half-time break, and it stayed close throughout the third and fourth quarters.

However, the Americans outwitted their opponents just enough to secure the victory.

The semi-finals are scheduled to be held tomorrow with the medal matches set to be staged on Sunday (October 16).