TORONTO (AP):

A SWEEPING free kick from Grzegorz Krychowiak helped Poland beat the Brazilians for the first time in over three decades.

The 17-year-old defender scored from 25 yards in the firsthalf on Saturday as Poland shocked heavily favoured Brazil in the opening match of the Under-20 World Cup.

"He is one of our future stars," Polish manager Michal Globisz said. "I am very happy. This is the first time in 34 years a Polish team has beaten Brazil, and it makes it better to do it in such an important tournament."

Other opening-day results on Saturday were North Korea 0 Panama 0; South Korea 1 United States 1; and Argentina 0 Czech Republic 0.

Brazil, a team filled with potential superstars, was unable to pierce the disciplined defensive shell put up by Poland after taking the lead.

Learn from weakness

"We felt we had more chances than our opponents, but we weren't able to penetrate their defence," Brazilian manager Nelson Rodrigues said. "Obviously, (the players) are sad, but we will use this to become stronger."

Bolstered by a heavy con-tingent of red-and-white clad supporters among the announced sell-out crowd of 55,800 at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, Poland controlled much of the play early in the first half and pinned the Brazilians in their own end.

The pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Poland were awarded a free kick just outside the area, and Krychowiak's strike inside the post beat Brazilian keeper Cassio.

The goal set off a celebration in the stands, which were barely half full at the time, as the chants of "Polska! Polska!" grew louder.

Poland's task became more difficult moments later, however, when forward Krzysztof Krol was sent off with his second yellow card after an aggressive tackle on Pato, forcing the Polish side to play a man short after the 27th minute.

Pato - the youngest player on the Brazilian squad, who is being pursued by some of the top clubs in Europe - lived up to the advance billing, creating several quality scoring chances, but only one of his shots hit the net.

South Korea 1 United States 1

At Montreal, the United States survived their opener against South Korea, prevailing thanks to Real Salt Lake goalkeeper ChrisSeitz.

Midfielder Danny Szetela scored on an athletic header for the U.S. while Shin Young-rok replied for South Korea, with both goals coming in the first half.

North Korea 0 Panama 0

At Ottawa, Panama held Asian champions North Korea to a goalless draw, earning their first point in three trips to the Under-20 finals. North Korea are making their first appearance at the finals.

Argentina 0 Czech Republic 0

At Ottawa, after watching the opening match of Group E finish in a scoreless draw, Argentina and the Czech Republic also failed to produce a goal.

Playing before a heavily pro-Argentina crowd at sold out Frank Clair Stadium, the five-time champions were held in check by the Czechs. And despite plenty of opportunities to produce the group's first goal, they could fare no better offensively than North Korea and Panama did before them.