ROSE BOWL SHOWCASES SECOND DAY; GERMANY TO FACE ITALY IN INTRIGUING MATCHUP.

Byline: Jim Barrero Staff Writer

There won't be 78,000 screaming fans inside the Rose Bowl today, but that shouldn't detract from what figures to be two attractive matchups on the second day of the 1999 Women's World Cup.

Less than half that fan total likely will show up to watch Germany face Italy at 4 p.m., followed by Nigeria and North Korea at 6:30 p.m. in the only matches the Rose Bowl will host until the championship and third-place games on July 10.

The Group B matchup between Germany and Italy figures to be one of the most intriguing of the tournament's first two days.

Both are traditional European powers and both will be trying to keep pace with Brazil in what is known as the ``Group of Death.''

Brazil got off to a rousing start with a 7-1 win over Mexico in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday where 78,000-plus fans also watched the U.S. knock off Denmark 3-0.

``It will take a very tight midfield,'' Italy forward Patrizia Panico said of the key to today's match. ``We've going to have to push a lot in the midfield and counter-attack.''

Italy usually plays a deliberate style and is content taking its time in building an attack.

The leaders up front are Panico and Rita Guarino, both of whom roam freely and constantly change sides.

Midfielders Antonella Carta and Federica D'Astolfo are the primary ball handlers, but the Italians also are boosted by a strong back line, featuring Damiana Deiana and Roberta Stefanelli, along with veteran goalkeeper Giorgia Brenzan.

Germany, the runner-up at the 1995 World Cup in Sweden, needed to win a playoff against the Ukraine just to make it to the U.S. But now that the Germans are here, they loom as a possible dark horse.

They are bolstered by one of the world's best defenses, featuring Doris Fitschen and Steffi Jones, which should make Italy's penetration difficult. Up front, Germany has its own quality tandem, led by Sandra Smisek and Birgit Prinz.

As with Italy, Germany also has two veteran midfielders, Martina Voss and Bettina Wiegmann, to help distribute.

At the 1991 World Cup in China, Germany beat Italy 2-0.

Nigeria will be eager to show the world its time has finally arrived. A victory also would give the Super Falcons huge confidence heading into Thursday's match against the U.S. in Chicago.

In two previous World Cup appearances, Nigeria has one tie and five losses. Coach Ismaila Mabo said that record should change.

``By our predictions, even though we are in a very tough group, I believe we shall be able to go beyond the first round,'' Mabo said.

``Marvelous'' Mercy Akide and Patience Avre lead the charge up front for the speedy Nigerians, who at times can be suspect on the back line.

North Korea, appearing in its first World Cup, is one of the tournament's mystery teams, doing its best to not be distracted while in the U.S., shunning interview requests and tourist attractions.

What is known is that the North Koreans are physical and known to ``win ugly.''

Kim Kum Sil, who scored six goals during the Asian Cup, is the weapon up front. Teammate Kim Sun Hui is the team's best defender, representing her country at the FIFA World Stars match in February.