TODAY’S GAMES

Russia vs. Canada

All Times Pacific

* Site--Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

* Time--9 a.m. TV--ESPN.

* Update--A tie is all the Russians need to reach the quarterfinals in their first World Cup tournament because there is almost no possibility of Japan defeating Norway in the day’s other Group C match. Russia does not have much flair, but it is an organized team and works hard. Canada has two fine players in Charmaine Hooper and Isabelle Harvey, the latter from USC, but not much more. Tactically it is naive and, after being routed by the Norwegians, its morale is low.

* Prediction--Russia by two goals.

China vs. Australia

* Site--Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

* Time--11:30 a.m. * TV--ESPN.

* Update--Chinese Coach Ma Yuanan is unhappy at the coast-to-coast jaunts his team is being forced to make and calls the schedule “unfair.” He has a point. More to the point, the Chinese have six points and have clinched a berth in the final eight. Today’s game offers a chance to fine-tune for the quarterfinals. Australia’s tournament has gone awry. The best it can hope for is to beat China by several goals and hope that Ghana can somehow tie Sweden. Otherwise, it goes home.

* Prediction--China by two goals.

Sweden vs. Ghana

* Site--Soldier Field, Chicago.

* Time--2 p.m. TV--ESPN2.

* Update--The Black Queens are coming off a 7-0 hammering by China and in all likelihood are not feeling up to facing a physically powerful Swedish team bent on making its mark in the tournament. The Swedes need only a tie to secure their place in the quarterfinals and a match against neighbor Norway. Sweden showed plenty of class in its 3-1 victory over Australia and looms as a possible World Cup contender. A Ghana victory would put it in the last eight, but don’t count on it.

* Prediction--Sweden by three goals.

Norway vs. Japan

* Site--Soldier Field, Chicago.

* Time--4:30 p.m. * TV--ESPN2.

* Update--Defending world champion Norway should be able to stroll through the Group C finale with ease. The interest will be in seeing if forward Ann Kristin Aarones, midfielder Hege Riise and defender Linda Medalen can score again and close in on U.S. midfielder Michelle Akers’ all-time world championship record total of 11 goals. Medalen has nine, Aarones eight and Riise seven. Japan’s World Cup highlight was its tie with Canada. This game promises to be its lowlight. The Norwegians romped past Canada and are ready to romp again.

* Prediction--Norway by four goals.