Neither team could be separated in the first half with them cancelling out each other's attacking efforts until the later stages when Denmark moved into a two-goal lead.

France were unable to make up the difference in the second period and were always kept at arms length by the Danish team.

Two late goals extended their lead even further and they went on to secure the gold medal, causing chaotic scenes of celebration at full time.

Before today's victory, Denmark's previous Olympics best was a fourth place at Los Angeles 1984. 

They have now joined Yugoslavia and Soviet Union as countries with Olympic titles in men's and women's handball.

In the women's event, Denmark have collected Olympic handball medals at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

"I can't believe it. It's a dream come true," said Denmark's Casper Mortensen.

"I don't know what to say. I'm speechless right now. I'm so proud of this team.

"We haven't beaten France in such a long time, they've not lost a final. 

"This means everything for Denmark."

It was a shock result given that in the last eight years, France have won two Olympic gold medals, three world titles and two European crowns.

"Of course we are very disappointed but we are happy that both the female and male French teams were in the final," Frenchman Nikola Karabatic said.

"The Danish were stronger than us today and we had some difficulties, physically, towards the end of the game.

"I think that we were tired and that's why we lost, basically. 

"But in spite of it all we have a silver medal and this is historical too - two French teams with silver medals."

Earlier in the day Germany won the bronze medal with a 31-25 win over Poland.