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

GROUP C at Soldier Field, Chicago

Germany vs. Spain

* TIME: 1:05 p.m.

* TV: ESPN, Univision, KSCI (German)

* KEY MATCHUPS: The faltering German offense versus Spanish goalkeeper Andoni Zubizaretta seems to be the key contest that will develop. Zubizaretta was absent from Spain’s opening match because of a red card he received in the final qualifying game against Denmark. The Germans looked altogether ordinary in their 1-0 victory over Bolivia in the tournament opener and Coach Berti Vogts will be expecting them to pick up the pace against a stronger opponent. Spain has a workmanlike, if unspectacular team, that has the ability to shut out Germany unless Juergen Klinsmann and company can do better than they did against Bolivia. Much will depend on the play of midfielder Andreas Moeller and Thomas Haessler, who will have the task of opening up the Spanish defense. On offense, Spain will be looking to striker Julio Salinas, who scored against South Korea, aided by midfielder Fernando Hierro. Team captain Miguel Angel Nadal will be missing because of a red card received in the team’s first match.

* OUTLOOK: If Spain loses, it will not be the end of the world. It will still have Bolivia to play and must consider itself the favorite in that match, which it would have to win to reach the next round. If Germany loses, it would not hurt its chances of advancing, either, since it already has three points and only South Korea still to play. But the Germans don’t lose that often and Spain doesn’t really want to begin with a tie and a loss.

* OUTCOME: A tie seems most likely, but the Spanish will have to work for it, otherwise the Germans have six points and are the first team to reach the second round. A Spanish victory? Unthinkable.