PARIS — South Korea lost to Sweden 27-21 in the women's handball tournament at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, marking their third consecutive defeat and significantly diminishing their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's record dropped to 1-3 in Group A with one final match against Denmark scheduled for Saturday at South Paris Arena 6. In the tournament's format, the top four teams from each of the two groups of six countries advance to the quarterfinals. To advance, South Korea must at least draw against Denmark and rely on the outcomes of other matches.
Denmark, South Korea's next opponent, finished third at last year's world championships. South Korea never led against Sweden, trailing 13-6 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Although South Korea reduced the deficit to 14-11, they conceded two straight goals in the late seconds of the half. They battled back from a 20-14 deficit to make it a two-goal game before Sweden ultimately secured a six-goal victory. Kang Kyung-min led South Korea with five goals. The team is coached by Swedish-born Henrik Signell.