CALIGIURI SAYS `OUI, OUI' TO FRANCE; AMERICAN SOCCER STAR PICKS HOST TEAM TO CAPTURE TITLE.

Byline: Paul Caligiuri 

Nicht moglich

That's ``not possible'' in German, which is the likelihood of the United States defeating Germany on Monday in Paris, the highest-profile first-round game for the Americans.

Even though the Germans are notoriously slow starters and strong finishers, I still don't believe the U.S. will be able to overtake the Germans.

But I hope (the Americans) prove me wrong. I'm behind them, and I want that understood.

The U.S. has a chance, if it's 0-0, the game goes on and the Americans get stronger and stronger, like they did against Brazil in the Gold Cup. But I don't think the U.S. will be able to stay with Germany like it did with Brazil.

France should fare well on its home turf. In fact, in a mild upset, I'm picking the French to win their first Jules Rimet trophy.

And then . . . well, read on:

Group A (Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Scotland): The defending-champion Brazilians own a record four championships. They (1958 and '62) and the Italians (1934 and '38) are the only back-to-back champs. Winner: Norway. Runner-up: Brazil.

Group B (Austria, Cameroon, Chile, Italy): Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas are the powerful strikers for Chile, which secured a spot in the Cup on the final day of qualifying over Peru. Winner: Italy. Runner-up: Chile.

Group C (Denmark, France, Saudi Arabia, South Africa): Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, the best stopper in the world, injured a hamstring playing for Manchester United in March and still isn't healthy. Winner: France. Runner-up: South Africa.

Group D (Bulgaria, Nigeria, Paraguay, Spain): Bulgaria has won only four of its 23 World Cup matches, although one of those was against Germany in '94. Winner: Spain. Runner-up: Nigeria.

Group E (Belgium, Holland, Mexico, South Korea): The most challenging of the eight groups, expect no lopsided games to come out of this bunch. Winner: Mexico. Runner-up: Holland.

Group F (Germany, Iran, U.S., Yugoslavia): The Americans have a daunting opener with Germany, then get Iran and Karim Bagheri (17 goals, including seven against Maldives, topped everyone in qualifying). Too much. Winner: Germany. Runner-up: Yugoslavia.

Group G (England, Colombia, Romania, Tunisia): Alan Shearer will be the main figures for the English. Winner: England. Runner-up: Colombia.

Group H (Argentina, Croatia, Jamaica, Japan): Jamaica's match against Croatia at Lens on June 14 will determine who moves on with Argentina to the next round. Winner: Argentina. Runner-up: Jamaica.

Second Round

Brazil over Italy, Norway over Chile, France over Nigeria, Spain over South Africa, Germany over Holland, Yugoslavia over Mexico, England over Croatia, Argentina over Colombia.

Quarterfinals

Brazil over Spain, France over Norway, Germany over Argentina, England over Yugoslavia.

Semifinals

Brazil over Germany, France over England.

Third Place

Germany over England.

Final

France over Brazil.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO An injury is limiting U.S. mainstay Paul Caligiuri, right, to spectator status for the '98 World Cup competition.

Evan Yee/Daily News