TODAY’S MATCHES

BRAZIL vs. GHANA

Second round, at Dortmund, 8 a.m. PDT, ESPN, Ch. 34

Carlos Alberto Parreira’s first coaching job was with Ghana in 1967. Almost 40 years later, he leads one of the soccer world’s most powerful nations in Brazil with the pressure squarely on the shoulders of his players, who are taking on a team in its first World Cup. Brazil’s Ronaldo needs one goal to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Ghana sent the U.S. home with a 2-1 win and is trying to become the third African country to reach the quarterfinals (Senegal, 2002; Cameroon, 1990).

SPAIN vs. FRANCE

Second round, at Hanover, noon PDT, ESPN, Ch. 34

France has the advantage in experience, but Spain’s youth and exuberance could render that meaningless. The Spanish have been playing some of the World Cup’s best soccer and will have a fresh team after resting most of their starters in the final group game. France’s 2-0 win over Togo in its last game was its best effort so far.