— WHERE: Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.
— BROADCAST: 12:30 p.m. (ESPN, Univision).
— GROUP: D
— FAVORITE: Argentina.
— OUTLOOK: Maradona, while slimmed down and behaving himself, brings more inspiration than talent to the Argentine side. Maradona, 33, is scheduled to start at midfield. The men from the Pampas always have great talent – and a proclivity for self-destruction. Greece will have to control forward Gabriel Batistuta. Greek forward Nikos Machlas, only 21, is a rising star but won’t get many opportunities against a tough defense. Argentina announced Monday that Luis Islas will start at goalkeeper instead of Sergio Goycochea.
Germany (1-0) vs. Spain (0-0-1)
— WHERE: Soldier Field, Chicago.
— BROADCAST: 4 p.m. (ESPN).
— GROUP: C
— FAVORITE: Germany.
— OUTLOOK: South Korea scored in the final minute to tie Spain, which was playing a man short because defender Miguel Nadal was red-carded; Nadal is suspended for the rest of the round. Little-regarded forward Julio Salinas had a big opening game. Germans looked forceful but couldn’t finish in sloppy opening victory over Bolivia. Juergen Klinsmann played well, Karlheinz Riedle didn’t. Germany will tie or win on talent and discipline. German coach Berti Vogts thinks Spain “should be happy with a draw. They’ll wait for our mistakes. Against Bolivia is when they go for three points.”
Nigeria vs. Bulgaria
— WHERE: Cotton Bowl, Dallas.
— BROADCAST: 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
— GROUP: D
— FAVORITE: Nigeria.
— OUTLOOK: Hristo Stoichkov, the best Bulgarian player, possesses a fine shot with either foot, but the defense is a weak point. The “Super Eagles” of Nigeria are replete with talented attacking players, and Dutch coach Clemence Westerhof has developed a physically strong, offensive-minded team. Nigeria could be a surprise team in the tournament. Westerhof: “We have the team and players to be the surprise of this World Cup. Nobody should underestimate Nigeria.”
