South Korea begin Asian Games title defence with 4-1 win over Qatar

NAGOYA, Japan: Defending champions South Korea made a winning start to their men’s football campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, defeating Qatar 4-1 in their Group D opener on Tuesday.

Swansea City midfielder Eom Ji-sung was the star of the match, scoring a natural hat-trick in the first half at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Rugby Field amid heavy rain.

KRC Genk forward Kim Myeong-jun added South Korea’s fourth goal in the 66th minute, while Marwan Sherif scored Qatar’s consolation goal in the 85th minute.

Coached by Lee Min-sung, South Korea will face Saudi Arabia in their second Group D match next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the same venue.