Germany rediscovered top form, while United States showed poor form in their last warm-up matches before leaving for France. The three-time world champions beat fellow qualifiers Colombia 3-1 in Frankfurt, but the Americans drew their match against Scotland in Washington.

It was one of the best performances in several months from Germany. A pair of early goals from new AC Milan striker Oliver Bierhoff set the pattern. Bierhoff opened the scoring with a shot on the turn after just 54 seconds and his second goal came in the 16th minute when he struck home a rebound after Thomas Hassler hit the post. Andy Moller made it 3-0 shortly after the break.

Colombia's only goal came three minutes from time when Dieter Hammann conceded a penalty by bringing down striker Faustino Asprilla with a tackle from behind. It was converted by veteran midfielder Carlos Valderrama.

The Americans had many chances but failed to capitalise on that. They dominated the first half but there were manydefensive lapses in the second. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller had a good match. He stopped Kevin Gallacher on a breakaway move in the 58th minute.

Eddie Pope, Mike Burns and Thomas Dooley all had problems on a hot and humid afternoon, and the Americans seemed to lose their legs in the second half.

The French Cuppa Quick Sips

Peruzzi to miss France

Italy's first choice goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi will miss the World Cup finals after pulling his left calf muscle during training today. "I'm very upset. Now I'll have to sweat another four years to go to the next World Cup," Peruzzi said. The Juventus goalkeeper fell to the ground in obvious pain after jumping for a ball in a morning practice session. Team doctors and reserve goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca immediately rushed to his aid. "It's a serious injury, we don't think there's anything we can do about it," team chief press officer Antonello Valentini said.

Peruzzi will be replaced by Fiorentina 'keeper Francesco Toldo. Pagliuca will becomeItaly's first choice goalkeeper.

Bergkamp yet to recover

Dennis Bergkamp is struggling to make it to the World Cup. Pulled out of all three of the Netherlands' warm up games because of a persistent hamstring problem, the Arsenal striker has not played a competitive game since April 29. "It was too risky to play him against Cameroon," coach Guus Hiddink said after the goalless tie. "I feel he should be back but, at the moment, nothing is certain."

Roberto Baggio doubtful

Roberto Baggio is doubtful for Tuesday's warmup game against Sweden after bruising his lower back. Baggio's likely absence would add to the certain non appearance of top striker Alessandro del Piero, who's nursing a thigh strain. Tuesday's game at Goteborg will be Italy's last warm-up before France '98.

Great Expectations: Group C

Toppers: France
R-up: South Africa
X-factor: Saudi Arabia
Key Match: France v South Africa,
which could shape the outcome of the groupitself

A strange group with one team, South Africa making its World Cup debut, and Denmark and Saudi Arabia making only their second appearance. Hosts France, who meet South Africa on the opening night should sail through, but a stutter against South Africa could spell disaster for the World Cup. Asian champions Saudi could cause a surprise, while South Africans are quite good and ambitious. Denmark are efficient but they never really deliver.

FRANCE
Coach: Aime Jacquet
Key Players: M Zinedine Zidane, M Marcel Desailly, M Youri Djorkaeff, M Didier Deschamps, D Laurent Blanc
Past Appearances: 9 times in 1930, 34, 38, 54, 58, 66, 78, 82 and 86
Glory Times: 1986, when they finished third
Points In Their Favour