MEXICO VS. PORTUGAL.

Byline: -- Scott French

Kickoff: 7 a.m. Arena Aufshalke, Gelsenkirchen.

TV: ESPN and Ch. 34.

In brief: The battle for the Group D title is on the line, but a draw ensures both a second round berth.

Mexico update: Striker Jared Borgetti, the Tricolores' all-time goals leader, remained sidelined with a torn thigh muscle, so Omar Bravo, who tallied twice in the opening win over Iran, Guillermo Franco or Francisco ``Kikin'' Fonseca must step up. A win would give Mexico the group title, a tie would secure second place, and a loss could end the Cup if Angola makes up goal difference.

Portugal update:Already through to the second round, where either Argentina or Netherlands awaits, the Portuguese might decide to leave out their five players with yellow cards, including pivotal figures Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Pauleta. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari guided his native Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title; national legend Luis Figo looks to finish his international career at the top.

IRAN vs. ANGOLA

Kickoff: 7 a.m., Zentral Stadion, Leipzig.

TV: ESPN2 and Ch. 46.

In brief: Angola is counting on Portugal, its former colonial master, to aid an advancement bid.

Angola update: The Black Antelopes gave strong, if unsophisticated, performances in a 1-0 loss to Portugal and scoreless draw with Mexico, and their speed and athleticism could case Iran great trouble. Angola could reach the second round with a victory and a Portugal triumph over Mexico, but it must make up three goals in differential to the Mexicans.

Iran update: A disappointing display can be blamed on lingering injuries and tough foes in the first two games, but that's hardly blame for Iranians, who proclaimed this their best team. All the crucial players, including all four based in Germany, have not been at full strength, and only Mehdi Mahdavikia among them has impressed. This could be the finale for all-time goals leader Ali Daei (109), if his ailing back allows him to play.

ARGENTINA vs. NETHERLANDS

Kickoff: Noon, Waldstadion, Frankfurt.

TV: ESPN and Ch. 34.

In brief: Most anticipated first-round meeting for Group C crown loses luster with both already through to the second round.

Argentina update: The Albiceleste has supplanted Brazil as the World Cup favorite with marvelous displays against Ivory Coast and, especially, Serbia and Montenegro, and with a second-round berth secured coach Jose Pekerman plans to sit his players with yellow cards -- Hernan Crespo, Javier Saviola, Luis Gonzalez, and Gabriel Heinze -- so they wouldn't risk suspension for the round of 16.

Netherlands update: Marco van Basten, the best striker of his generation, appears the perfect coach for the Dutch, a superb stategist who keeps the team atmosphere relaxed, in contrast to past Holland teams. The Oranja has played some beautiful soccer behind Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, but seven starters could sit this one out: Robben, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, John Heipinga, Joris Mathijsen, Mark van Bommel and Khalid Boulahrouz with yellow cards and Philip Cocu with a minor injury.

IVORY COAST vs. SERBIA & MONTENEGRO

Kickoff: Noon, Alianz Arena, Munich.

TV: ESPN2 and Ch. 46.

In brief: Farewell to Ivory Coast, the best team not to reach the knockout faze.

Ivory Coast update: The Elephants, behind striker Ddadidier Drogba, gained raves with their skillful, creative displays in losses to powers Argentina and the Netherlands. It wasn't enough, and coach Henri Michel doesn't expect his contract to be renewed.

SM update: The final game in the nation's history -- Serbia and Montenegro, the remaining core of Yugoslavia, this month spilt into two countries -- concludes a disappointing World Cup.

CAPTION(S):

8 boxes

Box:

(1) GROUP A

(2) GROUP B

(3) GROUP C

(4) GROUP D

(5) GROUP E

(6) GROUP F

(7) GROUP G

(8) GROUP H