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Poland just can't seem to get anything going at these World Cup games, losing its second straight match in a crushing defeat at the hands, or feet, of Portugal 4-0, Monday, in Jeonju, Korea.
Poland, which lost its first match to Korea 2-0, came out with little zip -- and the drizzling rain throughout the match didn't help -- as Portugal scored early on a goal by forward Pauleta, who went on to score a natural hat trick, the second of the tournament.
The Portuguese side showed tremendous poise as they bounced back from a shocking loss to the United States in their first match with the resounding win. The other goal for Portugal was scored by mid-fielder Rui Costa.
Korean fans in Jeonju -- or the entire nation for that matter -- were rooting for Poland as a win by the Polish side would have virtually secured the Korean national soccer team a birth in the second round of the World Cup for the first time ever.
But now it will come down to the final games for Group D to decide which two teams will advance. Portugal plays host Korea in a match that promises to boast a sea of red that even Moses would have trouble parting, while Poland, who are now officially eliminated, take on the United States June 14.
(Glen Choi, glen@chosun.com )
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