South Korea has defeated Poland in the first Group D match two-to-zero ... winning its first victory EVER in six World Cup appearances. Veteran striker Hwang Sun-hong's 26th-minute strike gave South Korea a one-to-zero lead at halftime ... raising a thunderous roar from the capacity crowd at the 54-thousand-seat Asiad Stadium in Pusan. The 33-year-old striker connected with a neat cross from Lee Eul-yong and drove a left-footed volley past the out-stretched hands of Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. Yoo Sang-chul sealed the victory with a ferocious cracker just outside the penalty box, in the 53rd minute, which flew into the net after touching the Polish goalie. Poland dominated possession in the first five minutes and missed opportunities to score, including Jacek Krzynowek's right-foot shot from inside the penalty area that caught the side netting in the second minute. The victory placed co-host South Korea on top of Group-D with three points ... boosting its chances of advancing into the next round for the first time in its soccer history. Thousands of exuberant fans ... some with faces painted and all in red shirts were leading the cheers ... chanting "Korea, Korea" and jumping in wild ecstasy each time their national team scored. South Korea will play the United States in Taegu on Monday.