GROUP A: Brazil vs. Morocco

SITE: Nantes

TIME: Noon. TV: ESPN, Ch. 34. RADIO: KWKW (1330 Spanish).

* ABOUT BRAZIL: The only truly enterprising team in the tournament, the only team other than Croatia with an unquestioned commitment to attack, the only team with players who can light up a game, is shoring up its defense. The Brazilian coaches have put restraints on their two outside defenders, Cafu and Roberto Carlos, from going forward as much and told them to stay back and help the center backs. That’s bad news for fans, but they shouldn’t despair. Brazil, which edged Scotland, 2-1, still has more talent than anyone else in France. “I believe that we will win with style,” Coach Mario Zagallo said. “But that doesn’t mean we have to be imprudent.”

* ABOUT MOROCCO: The Moroccans, inspired by Moustafa Hadji, stunned Norway by earning a 2-2 tie in their opener. The game showed the pace and skill of the North Africans, but also exposed their weakness in defense, especially in goalkeeping. Which makes Coach Henri Michel’s comment all the more curious. “Brazil will not have an easy time getting past our strong, tactical players,” he said. Right, and Ronaldo is just a run-of-the-mill player, no doubt.

* OUTLOOK: This could be a fun game to watch. Michel was closer to the mark when he said of the Brazilians: “You constantly feel threatened, and even when they play badly they are dangerous.” Roberto Carlos returned the compliment, saying of the Moroccans: “They are better with the ball at their feet [than the Scots]. And if we don’t watch out, we could be in for real trouble.” Not likely, but an entertaining game is in store.