WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : With Two Games Left, Second Round Is Far From Set

Because of the system used to determine first-, second- and third-place teams in World Cup group play, Romania must wait until today’s final first-round games before learning who it will play Sunday at the Rose Bowl.

As winner of Group A, Romania is expected to play Bulgaria or Italy in the second round, but there are a number of scenarios that could change everything. Italy finished third in Group E, but depending on tonight’s matches, Argentina, Bulgaria or Nigeria could finish third in Group D. If the third-place team from Group D qualifies for the round of 16, Romania will play that team. If only two teams from Group D advance, Romania will play Italy.

Argentina, which leads Group D, will finish first and play Monday in Foxboro, Mass., if it defeats or ties Bulgaria tonight. Bulgaria would need at least a tie to advance to the second round as the third-place team.

But if Argentina loses by enough goals, and Nigeria defeats Greece by enough goals at Foxboro, the Argentines would finish third. Nigeria would finish third with a big loss, and, get this: Greece still could finish third if it were to win by, say, 9-0.

For Argentina, a close loss or tie might mean a second-round match against Italy. Otherwise, the Argentines are likely to play Belgium.