South Korea's men's Olympic football team went off to a solid start at the Rio Summer Olympics, by pounding Fiji 8-0 in their Group C opener on Thursday.

At the match held at Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil, Leverkusen midfielder Ryu Seung-woo scored a hat trick, while Kwon Chang-hoon of Suwon Bluewings and Suk Hyun-jun of FC Porto also helped the team with two goals, each.

Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur was also on point for coach Shin Tae-yong's side. Seven of the goals were scored in the second half. 

With the victory, South Korea rose atop Group C, above Germany and Mexico, who came to a 2-2 draw in the other group match earlier in the day.

South Korea will square off with Germany at the same venue on Sunday. 

South Korea is seeking a second consecutive Olympic football medal after winning bronze at the London Olympics in 2012.