(Asiad) Men's handball coach vows dogged defense vs. 3-time champion Qatar

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean men's handball coach Cho Young-shin is determined to mount a strong defense against Qatar, the reigning 3-time champion, in the semifinals of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The two teams will clash at Entrio in Inazawa, northwest of Nagoya, with Korea aiming to end a 16-year title drought.

Qatar, on the other hand, is seeking its fourth consecutive gold medal, which would set a new record for a winning streak in men's handball. Cho, who has returned to his coaching post after leading the team to gold in 2010, expressed optimism about his squad's progress, praising their unity and systematic improvements in strength and endurance.

Despite falling to Bahrain in the group stage and drawing with Iran, South Korea managed to beat Kuwait 26-23. Cho warned that Qatar's level is higher than theirs but emphasized their confidence and the team's potential to battle through the game, highlighting the importance of tight defense and stretching the opponent's defense when in possession.