Robert Cornthwaite had put the visitors ahead but things looked bad for the A-League side when they were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time following Jonas Salley's dismissal.

But instead the Reds went further ahead when Cassio's misplaced pass found Bruce Djite who made no mistake in rolling the ball into an empty net.

Pohang's night went from bad to worse when Park Won-jae was sent off after picking up his second yellow card in less than a minute later on.

Vidmar said: "Australian football is gradually improving. This result can give Australian football momentum and help it find authority in Asia in the future.

"Scoring the opening goal so early like that meant that we were able to control the game. This result is the result of four to five weeks of intensive training.

"There are still five games left but it is great to score two goals and get a good result in the opening game."

Pohang coach Sergio Farias remained philosophical in defeat and instead targeted a victory at Adelaide as the ideal tonic to wipe out Wednesday night's disappointment.

The Brazilian's side twice rattled the woodwork but struggled to make the best of their chances and ultimately paid the price.

"There are still five games left and we have to prepare to make sure that we can get the results that we need," said Farias.

"Because we lost at home, we will now have to win away at Adelaide.

"Our players only have experience domestically and were nervous at the start of the first half. The early goal just made us more nervous.

"After the early dead-ball situations, we were able to get on top. We got some opportunities but were unable to score.

"For the second goal, our defenders were guilty of following the ball, the goalkeeper made the wrong decision and they were able to score too easily."