TODAY’S GAMES

Brazil vs. Italy

* Time--3 p.m. PDT. * TV--ESPN2.

* Site--Soldier Field, Chicago.

* Update--Having slammed seven goals past Mexico, the Brazilians suddenly are being seen as a possible World Cup ’99 winner. This game will be a better measure of their strength. The Italians, who held Germany to a 1-1 tie, need only achieve a similar stalemate to virtually assure themselves a place in the quarterfinals and the Olympic 2000 berth that goes with it. But Italy’s defense will be sorely tested by Pretinha, Sissi and company. And if Brazil scores, can Italy do the same? Once, maybe. Twice, who knows?

* Prediction--Brazil by one goal.

United States vs. Nigeria

* Time--5:30 p.m. PDT. * TV--ESPN.

* Site--Soldier Field, Chicago.

* Update--This shapes up as a fascinating contrast of styles. The U.S. team is well-organized, disciplined, moves the ball around quickly, retains possession, has a more-or-less solid defense and a multiple-threat strike force. Nigeria is a loosely organized, undisciplined, attack-at-all-costs team with plenty of athletic talent. Its players also appear to genuinely enjoy the game, but can be a tad physical in their enthusiasm. The key will be whether the U.S. can avoid becoming flustered and at the same time take advantage of Nigeria’s tactical naivete. U.S. starting defender Kate Sobrero is questionable after spraining her right ankle Wednesday during practice.

* Prediction--United States by two goals.

North Korea vs. Denmark

* Time--6 p.m. * TV--ESPN2 (delayed at 7:30 p.m.)

* Site--Civic Stadium, Portland, Ore.

* Update--Whichever team loses this Group A encounter can pack its bags because it will be all but mathematically eliminated from advancing. The Danes were shut out, 3-0, by the U.S., which means the Koreans, 2-1 losers to Nigeria, are ahead if not on points then at least on goals. But that doesn’t mean much. Both teams have to win to survive, and experience will be the difference. Denmark desperately wants to compete in the Sydney Olympics, but North Korea will not go quietly into the night.

* Prediction--Denmark by one goal.

Germany vs. Mexico

* Time--8:30 p.m. * TV--ESPN2 (delayed at 9:30 p.m.)

* Site--Civic Stadium, Portland, Ore.

* Update--What can Coach Leonardo Cuellar possibly tell his shellshocked team? Thrashed, 7-1, by Brazil, Mexico faces another country with a tremendous soccer pedigree. Germany was runner-up to Norway in the 1995 world championship and knows it has to score as many goals as possible to keep pace with Brazil’s output in the event of a tiebreaker. It all adds up to another long night for the Mexicans, who might do better if their federation voiced more support for the team.

* Prediction--Germany by four goals.