Korea shows poor performance in ball games

Korea started poor in the ball games of the Sydney Olympics, on Saturday.

Women¡¯s hockey team, a medal favorite, lost to its archrival Argentina 3-2 and men¡¯s hockey team drew 1-1 with Spain.

Men¡¯s handball team suffered a come-from-behind defeat to Yugoslavia for a glimpse medal prospect.

In women¡¯s hockey, Korea who won the silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics led Argentina 2-1 at the half time in the first match of the Group C preliminary and allowed two goals in a row in the second half as its defense line collapsed.

With one loss, Korea will meet Spain on Sunday.

Men¡¯s hockey team drew 1-1 with Spain. After allowing a goal immediately after the start of the game, the Korean players were allout for an equalizer and managed to make it 1-1 in the 28th minute with a goal by Song Seung-Tae.

In men¡¯s handball, the Korean team who key players are all from abroad lost to Yugoslavia 24-25 (10-12, 14-13).

Korea was led 10-12 at the first half due to its simple attack and loose defense, and made it 24-24 with three minutes and 25 seconds left, but failed to add. With only eight seconds left, Korea allowed a goal to Yugoslavia to lose the game by one goal.

The men¡¯s team will have its second match against underdog Germany at 9:30 a.m., on Monday (7:30 a.m., Korean time).