The result means Norway are guaranteed to finish in the top two in Group 2, which is taking place in Kolding in Denmark.

Norway had been due to co-host the tournament, but the Norwegian Handball Federation was forced to withdraw last month after more stringent restrictions were imposed by the nation's Government in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Nora Mørk, the tournament's leading scorer, had a quite game by her high standards and only scored five times, but 21-year-old left-back Henny Reistad led Norway with seven goals as they inflicted a first defeat of the competition on Croatia.

It was 15-14 to the Norwegians at the break, and Croatia held a second-half lead for a short while, but Norway found a hot streak late on to pull clear.

In the group's other match, Germany beat Hungary 32-25 to keep their semi-final hopes alive and eliminate the Hungarians.

Germany have four points from three games, as points won in the initial group stage against sides who also advanced are carried over, while Croatia have six points from four matches.

If Croatia beat Germany on Tuesday (December 15), they will reach the last four for the first time.

World champions The Netherlands - already beaten by Norway and Croatia in this tournament - are the only other team capable of advancing from Group 2.

The European Women's Handball Championship continues tomorrow, with hosts Denmark up against Spain and Montenegro facing Sweden as Group 1 takes centre stage.