WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY’S GAME AT A GLANCE

GROUP D at Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, Ma.

Argentina vs. Greece

* TIME: 9:30 a.m.

* TV: ESPN, Univision, KSCI (Greek)

* KEY MATCHUPS: Once again, the world will be watching Diego Maradona in this best-of-times opener for the Argentines, and worst-of-times debut for the rookie Greeks. Playing in their first Cup after nearly seven decades of trying, it will take a miracle for Greece to survive the opening round in a group that also includes Nigeria and Bulgaria. The Argentines, by contrast, should cruise through, although they appear to have lost a step since their 1990 second-place finish. Maradona, 33, says he’s fit. So, too, are Argentine strikers who play their club soccer in Italy: Roma’s Abel Balbo and Claudio Caniggia, and Fiorentina’s Gabriel Batistuta. That trio should prove too much for a no-name Greek defense playing around 35-year-old keeper Antonis Minou.

* OUTLOOK: The Argentines had qualifying problems and their usual spate of feuds and rancor on their way to the Cup. Still, look for Maradona and fellow midfielders Leonardo Rodrigues and Diego Simeone to gain quick control of a game that will be mostly played at Argentina’s pace--and on Greece’s end of the field. Argentine keeper Sergio Goycochea, hero of Italia ‘90, is back, symbol of an Argentine defense that is aging and suspect to quick, vigorous attack.

* OUTCOME: If you’ve a mind to celebrate ethnically, hold the feta . Order steak. Argentina by at least two goals, but if the Greeks lose their poise it could be a rout.