TODAY

GROUP F: Germany vs. Yugoslavia SITE: Lens

TIME: 5:30 a.m. TV: ESPN, Ch. 34 RADIO: KWKW (1330, Spanish)

* ABOUT GERMANY: The tide of red cards has not intimidated German Coach Berti Vogts. “Violent play deserves to be penalized,” he said, “but football is also a physical game and hard challenges are part of the sport. We will continue to play in our own style.” Midfielders Jens Jeremies and Thomas Hassler, considered questionable because of ankle injuries suffered in the 2-0 victory over the United States, apparently have recovered.

* ABOUT YUGOSLAVIA: Coach Slobodan Santrac’s team made hard work of defeating Iran, 1-0. Still, Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic worries the Germans. “He is an excellent passer of the ball and he’s always capable of doing something out of the ordinary,” Germany’s Christian Worns said. Midfielder Dejan Stankovic’s twisted ankle has healed.

* OUTLOOK: This is the game for first place in Group F and a physical encounter is likely. Said German defender Olaf Thon: “They are very strong individually, and quite capable of slipping their marker, which is what the Americans didn’t really know how to do.” Germany wins game and group.