TODAY’S GAMES

United States vs. Germany

* Site--Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, Landover, Md.

* Time--4 p.m. TV--ESPN.

* Update--This one promises to be a nail-biter until the final whistle. Don’t breathe easy if the U.S. takes the lead, even by two goals. Germany’s women, like Germany’s men, are never more dangerous than when they are losing. The Americans hold an 8-3-1 edge in the series, which started in 1991, but the Germans have won as recently as 1997. However, they will be without veteran midfielder Martina Voss, who has a torn muscle in her leg. The U.S., which is at full strength, will find it difficult to break through the German midfield and defense, and when it does top-flight goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg will be waiting. The U.S. offensive arsenal is well-stocked, and Coach Tony DiCicco will not hesitate to go to his bench or change formations if the attack bogs down.

* Prediction--United States by one goal.

Brazil vs. Nigeria

* Site--Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, Landover, Md.

* Time--6:30 p.m. TV--ESPN2.

* Update--Nigeria’s coach, Ismaila Mabo, already has made the mistake of looking beyond tonight’s game and talking about playing the U.S. in the semifinals, where, he said, his players could “take our revenge” for the 7-1 first-round loss inflicted by the Americans. Better he should worry about losing by the same score to the Brazilians, who will tear an already porous Nigerian defense into even smaller shreds. Mabo says he has “a strategy that will counter” Brazil’s fluid play. What, 11 goalkeepers? It will be a long night for Ann Chiejine in the Nigerian net, and a joyous one for samba sisters Sissi, Pretinha and company.

* Prediction--Brazil by four goals.