WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : SPOTLIGHT : TRIPPING OVER THE WELCOME MATS

Preparing for their World Cup opener in Dallas on Tuesday, the Buglarians and Nigerians have been less than gracious to those Texans trying to join the party.

Bulgaria, which arrived in Dallas last Wednesday, has closed its practices to the public and media. A TV photographer was physically removed from a practice in Austin, Tex., and campus police at Southern Methodist University in Dallas circled the fence at Morrison Bell Stadium. They told fans to go home and made sure no one took pictures.

What the Bulgarians thought the Texans would do with photographs of their practice was not known.

Some fans had waited in 90-degree heat to get a glimpse of the team, so there were few soccer converts after the experience. Some said, “Forget Bulgaria,” and “Go Nigeria.”

Until. . . .

It was discovered that the Nigerians were equally paranoid. They, too, have closed practices and refused media interview requests. They even tried some cloak-and-dagger tactics, telling reporters they were taking Sunday off, then holding a practice.

Bulgaria made a comeback of sorts on Sunday, opening its evening practice to the media.

Emil Verbovski, Bulgaria team liaison, defended the position of keeping most practices closed.

“The Americans don’t have to understand,” he said.

When it was suggested that even Super Bowl players practice in front of well wishers and give daily interviews, he said:

“American football players talk more than they play.”