South Korea's women's handball team staged a pitch-side protest after a disputed goal to Norway in the dying seconds of their semi-final yesterday ended the dream of a third Olympic title.

The Koreans were unhappy that Gro Hammerseng's winner in the 29-28 thriller was allowed to stand.

They remained in their seats on the sideline after full-time in protest.

They stayed there for more than 20 minutes before acknowledging their fans in the stands and walking off.

Korean coach Lim Young-chul said his players believed Hammerseng's goal came two seconds after the final whistle.

He said his team would protest the result with the International Handball Federation but was pessimistic about the chances of success.

Norwegian coach Marit Breivik said she was not able to comment on the timing of the goal because of her position on the sidelines at the time.

"It's impossible for me to see, so I have to rely on the officials' table and the judges to make the decision," she said at the post-match press conference, which the Koreans also boycotted.

If the result stands, Norway will play Russia in the gold medal decider.

Russia defeated Hungary 22-20 in the late semi-final.

The reigning world champions led throughout the match, helped to a convincing victory by a seven-goal haul from right-back Irina Bliznova.

Agencies