Riegelhuth on song to book Norway a grudge match with Russia

OLYMPIC champions Norway have earned their chance at vengeance at the World Handball Championships after seven goals from Linn Kristin Riegelhuth inspired her side to victory over Spain.

RED HOT: Linn Kristin Riegelhuth notches seven goals to book Norway a semi-final clash with Russia in China (Getty Images)

That win ensured Norway will face defending champions Russia in the semi finals in China where they will bid to make up for the defeat they suffered in last year's final.

Spain had been unbeaten going into the match but after Norway edged a 27-24 victory it was the Scandinavian side who topped Group 2, courtesy of Spain's draw with Hungary.

Russia, searching for their third consecutive world title, made sure of their qualification for the last four with a 30-25 win over Denmark as Ludmila Postnova found the net eight times.

While Spain slipped to a narrow defeat in their final group game, they still finished second in their group, ensuring they will take on France in the last four.

France topped their group but only by virtue of their earlier one point victory over Russia earlier in the competition.  Their 35-20 win over Austria in the final group game ensured they were level on points and goal difference with the defending champions.