JUST LOOK GOOD

U.S. Coach Steve Sampson said he hasn’t set a curfew, but he has asked that card-playing--which has been known to become ferocious--end by 10:30 p.m. “I don’t have any [other] hard and fast rules,” Sampson said. “It’s all about trust and I trust the players. If any of them feel the need to be out and have a drink, they can, but this is so important I can’t imagine they would.”

Sampson is requiring players to wear blazers, slacks and ties when they travel. “This is serious business,” he said. “Initially they fought the idea. Now they have a competition as to who can dress better.”

GET READY FOR FATHER’S DAY

At 3 1/2 months, Frankie Hejduk’s son, Frankie Nesta, is too young to appreciate the magnitude of the World Cup. But little Frankie will be at the U.S.-Germany game, with Hejduk’s wife, Kim, Hejduk’s parents, Kim’s parents and some of Hejduk’s cousins who are stationed in Germany with the Air Force. To refresh little Frankie’s memory later, someone will videotape the game for future viewing. “Hopefully, I can get a goal for him,” the proud papa said.

WELCOME TO THE BIG DANCE

Headline on the special World Cup section published by Sud Ouest:

“Send the Samba!”