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World Cup: Friday's quarterfinals

Where to watch

Germany vs. United States

WHEN/WHERE: 7:25 a.m. Friday; Ulsan, South Korea.

WORLD RANKING: United States No.13, Germany No.11.

ROAD TO WORLD CUP: United States finished third in CONCACAF (North and Central American and Caribbean countries) and Germany finished second in UEFA (Europe) Group 9.

PREVIOUS MATCHES: United States beat Portugal 3-2, tied South Korea 1-1, lost to Poland 3-1 and beat Mexico 2-0. Germany beat Saudi Arabia 8-0, tied Ireland 1-1, beat Cameroon 2-0 and beat Paraguay 1-0.

COACHES: United States -- Bruce Arena. Germany -- Rudi Voeller.

KEY PLAYERS: United States -- Brad Friedel, goalkeeper; Landon Donovan, forward/midfielder; Claudio Reyna, midfielder. Germany -- Oliver Kahn, goalkeeper; Michael Ballack, midfielder; Miroslav Klose, forward. WHAT TO EXPECT: For the third time in the tournament, the United States will play on less rest than its opponent. Germany's three titles are second to Brazil. But it lost as a heavy favorite in the quarterfinals 2-1 to Bulgaria in 1994 and 3-0 to Croatia in 1998. Germany beat the United States 2-0 in 1998 and pounded it 4-2 in a March exhibition. Ballack triggers the German attack. But the best player is Kahn, arguably the world's No.1 keeper. The tricky Klose is tied for the tournament lead with Brazil's Ronaldo at five goals. Germany has just four goals since demolishing Saudi Arabia. Arena again must choose from a bevy of options. Forward Clint Mathis, benched in two games, is almost certain to play. He scored both goals in the March exhibition. The United States gets Frankie Hejduk back from a yellow-card suspension.

England vs. Brazil

WHEN/WHERE: 2:25 a.m. Friday; Shizuoka, Japan.

WORLD RANKING: England No.12, Brazil No.2.

ROAD TO WORLD CUP: England finished first in UEFA (Europe) Group 9 and Brazil finished third in CONMEBOL (South America).

PREVIOUS MATCHES: England tied Sweden 1-1, beat Argentina 1-0, tied Nigeria 0-0 and beat Denmark 3-0. Brazil beat Turkey 2-1, China 4-0, Costa Rica 5-2 and Belgium 2-0.

COACHES: England -- Sven Goran Eriksson. Brazil -- Luiz Felipe Scolari.

KEY PLAYERS: England -- Michael Owen, forward; David Beckham, midfielder; David Seaman, goalkeeper. . Brazil -- Ronaldo, forward; Rivaldo, forward; Cafu, defender.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Brazil's forte is offense, but skeptics question its midfield and defense. Brazil won a weak group, and most believe Belgium's nullified goal should have counted and put Brazil down 1-0. Ronaldo (five goals) has scored in every match. Rivaldo is on his heels with four. Their speed and skill will challenge the English defense. England's slumbering attack awakened against Denmark. Beckham, whose fitness and durability were in question because of a broken foot, is looking better every game. Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand are stout central defenders and scoring threats on set pieces. Owen is hampered by a groin strain. While the World Cup usually becomes more defensive as it progresses, expect this one to buck tradition. Set the alarm, take a nap, watch this classic, reset the alarm, take another nap and watch U.S.-Germany.

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