Going by the display the Koreans put up against Pakistan in the league match yesterday, India, the reigning Asian Games champions, will be hard pressed to hold them at bay, especially in the initial phase, when they go all out, stretching the opposition to full length all over the field.

Even against Pakistan, to whom they lost by a solitary goal, the Koreans came close to scoring at least three times in the first 20 minutes, and were thwarted only by the brilliant display of Pakistani goalkeeper Ahmed Alam.

Indian coach Vasudevan Baskaran is aware of the rival's strengths and is confident his defence will be able to contain the speedy Korean forwards, particularly Woon Kon Yeo, the second-highest scorer in the tournament so far with six goals to his name.

``We will have to contain them,'' said Baskaran. ``We have to break themin the mid-field so that they are not starting moves that end up in our half,'' he said today.

The Indians are studying videos of Korea's match yesterday in preparation for the semi-final clash.

``We are confident we will reach the final.... The Koreans have improved over the years and we can't take them easy, but the boys are fit and willing to go all out in the semi-final.'' Baskaran said.