U.S. and Russia Will Face Off

Here, in capsule form, are the events that will be highlighted today in Athens:

Women’s Water Polo

The U.S. women’s water polo team, after blowing a 5-1 lead in the final period and losing to Canada, 6-5, plays Russia today. In their last meeting before the Olympics, the Russians beat the U.S., 10-5. The Russians have won both of their Olympic matches and can clinch first place in their group with a win or a tie. The U.S. has split its two games.

Steve Springer

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Women’s Soccer

If today’s quarterfinals of the women’s soccer tournament run true to form, the four emerging semifinalists will be Brazil, Germany, Sweden and the United States. But the tournament has produced surprises and another is not out of the question.

The U.S. plays Japan, which upset Sweden. “They have speed, technique, athleticism and agility with and without the ball,” U.S. Coach April Heinrichs said of today’s game at Thessaloniki.

Grahame L. Jones

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Swimming

Michael Phelps is expected to swim in the preliminaries of the 400-meter medley relay in the butterfly leg, probably with Neil Walker, Lenny Krayzelburg and Mark Gangloff.

Two finals will feature intriguing U.S. matchups: Phelps will race world-record holder Ian Crocker in the 100 butterfly, and Gary Hall Jr. and Jason Lezak are in the final of the 50 freestyle.

Lisa Dillman

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Track and Field

The world’s best track and field athletes -- or the best ones who haven’t tested positive for banned substances -- take center stage starting today. Among the highlights: Alan Webb in the first round of the men’s 1,500 and Gail Devers, running in the 100 as a replacement for Torri Edwards, who was suspended after a failed drug test.

-- Helene Elliott