Mexico vs. Germany

SITE: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier

TIME: 7:30 a.m. TV: Channel 34, ESPN. RADIO: KWKW (1330, Spanish).

* ABOUT MEXICO: They’ve shown remarkable resilience in rallying from a one-goal deficit to win their first game, against South Korea, and erasing two-goal deficits to earn draws against Belgium and Holland. Coach Manuel Lapuente is making good use of his bench and getting a lot out of a team that wasn’t expected to do much.

* ABOUT GERMANY: Efficient but not overwhelming in winning Group F, Germany hasn’t sorted out its midfield problems. Strikers Oliver Bierhoff and Jurgen Klinsmann make for a potent one-two punch, with each having scored two of the team’s five goals. They’re one of the oldest teams in the tournament, but will that be a detriment in the searing heat predicted today?

* OUTLOOK: Mexico, a surprising second in Group E, has never gotten past the quarterfinals and has gone this far only twice before, in 1970 and 1986. But this team has developed admirable unity and spirit. Up front, striker Luis Hernandez has been dynamic, scoring three goals. However, Mexico will miss midfielder Ramon Ramirez (red card). Germany dominated the U.S. but hasn’t really gotten rolling. It hasn’t used its wingers as well as it could and will probably try to be more aggressive today if the heat permits. Germany is methodical, patient and, thanks to its vast experience, almost never susceptible to nerves.