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

GROUP D at the Cotton Bowl, Dallas

Bulgaria vs. Nigeria

* TIME: 4:35 p.m.

* TV: ESPN2, Univision, (ESPN tape, 10:25)

* KEY MATCHUPS: Dimitar Penev, Bulgaria’s coach, would not say Monday whether he will use two or three forwards. But most likely the Bulgarians will rely on Hristo Stoichkov’s deadly left foot on counterattacks. Although Stoichkov, who plays for BC Barcelona, has a slight hamstring pull, he should be ready.

The Bulgarians will have to be cautious against the African champions. If teen-age midfielders Sunday Oliseh and Austin Okocha can control their counterparts, Nigeria has the firepower to explode. Striker Rashidi Yekini is poised to emerge as one of the stars of the tournament.

* OUTLOOK: Bulgaria has yet to win a World Cup match in six appearances, three with Penev as a central forward. After its dramatic qualifying victory over France last November in Paris, Bulgarians are hoping for a new era of Balkan soccer.

Nigeria, on the other hand, will make its World Cup debut with great expectations after Cameroon’s quarterfinal finish in 1990. So, each team is under pressure to perform, but particularly the favored Africans.

* OUTCOME: The Bulgarians know the reputation of the Super Eagles, and hope they can sneak up on them with one of Europe’s most potent attacks. We think they will. Bulgaria, 2-1.