IN five minutes, it seemed as if the USA's hopes for advancing to the second round of the World Cup were crushed.

Poland, already eliminated from the tournament, with nothing to play for except their own self-esteem, took the lead in the third minute after a defensive breakdown by the Americans.

Defender Jeff Agoos gave away a corner kick and Poland forward Emmanuel Olisadebe connected for Poland's first goal.

Two minutes later, Poland's Pawel Kryszalowicz beat Agoos for the score.

After so many months of hard work, after two brave World Cup performances -- a 3-2 upset of Portugal and a 1-1 draw with host South Korea -- the Americans were undone before fans had barely

settled into their seats.

However here's the good news for the Americans: Though Poland handily beat the US, 3-1, the Americans sneeked into the second round because the host country, South Korea, was gracious enough to defeat Portugal 1-0.

The US will advance because they have four points, compared to Portugal's three.

The US now faces Mexico on Monday in Jeonju, South Korea and the Americans beat Mexico, 1-0, in April in Denver.

And the USA has won four out of the last five games against its CONCACAF rival.

Even though the US would have liked to advance in more impressive fashion, the Americans will take it.

It is the US's third appearance in the tournament's elimination phase and a remarkable turnaround from their last place finish in France in 1998.

The USA certainly had their chances to advance on their own merit.

American midfielder Landon Donovan's header went into the net in the fourth minute but was not allowed due to the elbow he threw while fighting for position.

In the first half alone, Clint Mathis, John O'Brien, Tony Sanneh had long rang shots on goal that went wide.

Another time, Brian McBride completely missed the ball.

In the 52nd minute, Claudio Reyna had an open goal but his shot went wide. It was that kind of night for the U.S.

Poland continued to pour it on and in the 65th minute added another goal, a header by Marcin Zewlakow.

A minute later, the Americans blew another chance when Mathis' shot sailed over the crossbar.

And so it went.

If not for Brad Friedel's stop of a Poland penalty kick in the 76th minute it would have been worse.

Donovan scored the USA's only goal in the 83rd minute.