The 23rd IHF Women’s World Championship quarter-finals open with a battle between neighbours, as EHF EURO 2016 semi-finalists Denmark meet Sweden to decide the first semi-final place, before 2016 Olympic silver medallists France take on London 2012 silver medallists Montenegro.

Both quarter-finals will take place in Arena Leipzig on Tuesday, December 12.

Quarter-final: Sweden vs Denmark 17:30 local time

The opening quarter-final in Arena Leipzig sees familiar foes, Sweden and Denmark, meet to determine the first semi-final ticket available at Germany 2017.

In 2015, at their home World Championship, Denmark eliminated their neighbours in the eighth-final stage with a 26:19 victory. Since the last World Championship, the teams have had very different journeys – Denmark were disappointed to miss the 2016 Olympic Games after ranking third in their Qualification Tournament, while Sweden made it to Rio 2016 but were knocked out in the quarter-final by Norway. Four months later, at their home EHF EURO, Sweden were eliminated after the main round, while Denmark went on to contest the bronze medal.

Neither side can be considered a favourite in this encounter – the teams are so well matched that the semi-final ticket will come down to the finest details, and will rely heavily on which team’s stars have the best game. Denmark can win a match based on the performance of their goalkeeper, Sandra Toft. It was Toft who played the most significant role in Germany’s elimination in the eighth-final, as she recorded an incredible save rate of 52% for the match. On the field, Denmark rely on precise wings and a strong back court led by Stine Jorgensen.

Sweden’s keeper Johanna Bundsen also had a great game in their eighth-final, saving 48% against Slovenia and making the most of the superb defensive tactics implemented by coach Henrik Signell. Sweden’s attacking game is led by mastermind playmaker Isabelle Gullden, who will be crucial in determining her team’s performance as they aim to avenge their eight-final loss at Denmark 2015.

Quarter-final: France vs Montenegro 20:45 local time

The second quarter-final in Arena Leipzig is a contest of recent Olympic silver medallists, as France, who placed second at Rio 2016, take on Montenegro, who finished as runners-up at London 2012. Though Montenegro have certainly experienced success, winning the EHF EURO in the same year they claimed the Olympic medal, France have enjoyed positive results more recently.

Four months after they won their maiden Olympic medal in Rio de Janeiro, France claimed bronze at the EHF EURO 2016. In contrast, Montenegro went from second place at the London 2012 Games to 11th after losing all of their preliminary round matches. At the European championship in December, they ranked 13th out of 16 teams. It was therefore something of a surprise that Montenegro defeated Serbia in the Germany 2017 eighth-final, while France fulfilled expectations by beating Hungary in their first knock-out game.

Montenegro’s squad is younger and less experienced than France’s, which is deep and allows coach Olivier Krumbholz to rotate extensively through his bench. France appear to be the favourites in this clash, but Germany 2017 has certainly seen surprise results and nothing is guaranteed for the Olympic silver medallists.