World Cup games today

Soccer

Sweden vs. Nigeria

Site: Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

Time: 1 p.m.

TV: ESPN/Telefutura

Quick look: Sweden's Victoria Svensson scored a goal in the seventh minute in Thursday's match with North Korea and her teammates made it stick in a 1-0 victory. Teammate Hanna Ljungberg is considered one of the world's top strikers. Veteran forward Mercy Akide is one of two Nigerians with WUSA experience and was named African Player of the Year in 2001. Sweden (1-1) would reach the Cup quarterfinals for the fourth straight time with a win in the Group A match.

-- Jack McCarthy, Chicago Tribune

United States vs. North Korea

Site: Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

Time: 3:30 p.m.

TV: Chs. 2, 7/Telefutura

Quick look: Mia Hamm, the 31-year-old forward making her fourth World Cup appearance, had a sensational game for the Americans against Nigeria on Thursday, scoring twice in a 5-0 Group A victory. She also leads the tournament in assists with four. North Korean goalie Jong Hui Ri has surrendered just one goal in two Group A games, while midfielder Jin Pyol Hui showed her scoring prowess with a pair of goals against Nigeria last Saturday. Crew Stadium is sold out as the defending World Cup champions (2-0) seek their fourth consecutive Cup quarterfinals berth. North Korea (1-1) needs a win if it hopes to advance.

-- Jack McCarthy, Chicago Tribune

Australia vs. Ghana

Site: PGE Park, Portland, Ore.

Time: 8:15 p.m.

TV: Galavision

Quick look: Ghana forward Alberta Sackey was inexplicably left on the bench for the first 57 minutes in Thursday's 3-0 Group D loss to Russia. The big question is whether the winless Ghanaians will do it again. Australia gained great credibility with its 1-1 tie against China, securing a rare point against one of the top four teams in the world.

-- Lisa Dillman, Los Angeles Times

China vs. Russia

Site: PGE Park, Portland, Ore.

Time: 11 p.m.

TV: ESPN2/Galavision

Quick look: Amazingly, Russia could come out of Group D on top with a win or tie, earning a matchup against Canada in the quarterfinals. A loss would mean a considerably more difficult task against Germany. All this means there will be defense and more defense in the Group D finale.

-- Lisa Dillman, Los Angeles Times