Hosts China, Brazil look to lock up berth in quarters
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09/14/2007 -
Wuhan, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - China opened its World Cup with a dramatic win
over Denmark and would all but lock up a spot in the quarterfinals with a win
or a tie against Brazil on Saturday.
China built a two-goal lead against Denmark in the second half Wednesday, but
the Danes rallied to tie the game before Xiaoli Song scored in the 88th minute
of a 3-2 win.
Brazil also opened with a win Wednesday, defeating New Zealand 5-0.
"It will be a tough match... (China is) also a powerful team," Brazil coach
Jorge Barcellos told FIFA's website.
Playing in front of a large crowd in Wuhan on Wednesday, Jie Li and Yan Bi had
goals as China jumped out to the two-goal lead. After Denmark equalized in the
87th minute, Song struck less than a minute later.
It was a surprising start from the Chinese, who were expected to struggle in
the World Cup, even though they are the hosts.
"I couldn't be happier with the result because it was a must-win match. It was
a real slog, but winning has really lifted us," China forward Han Duan said on
FIFA's website.
China proved again it is capable of being a force on the world stage, even if
repeating its run to the 1999 final is unlikely. A win over Brazil would all
but assure the Chinese the top spot in Group D, and put them just three wins
from a title.
In addition to being runners-up in 1999, when it lost to the United States on
penalty kicks, China finished fourth in 1995 and fifth in 1991. The Chinese
were knocked out in the quarterfinals in 2003.
Brazil only led its opener against New Zealand 1-0 at halftime, but there was
no doubt which side was better and it was obvious in the second half.
Reigning FIFA Player of the Year Marta scored twice after the break, picking
up where she left off in the 2003 Cup when she scored three goals in four
games as a 17-year-old.
"The win belongs to the whole team, it wasn't just down to my contribution,"
Marta told FIFA's website. "Now we're looking to push on for the next game."
Brazil needs a result against China because it plays Denmark, ranked sixth in
the world, in its last game on Wednesday.
Even if the Chinese can't solve the Brazilians, they play New Zealand in their
last game on Wednesday, and that gives the hosts a great shot to advance.
<< Norway, Australia to battle for Group C lead
Hangzhou, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The top spot in Group C will be on the
line on Saturday when Australia meets Norway in the second game for both
teams.
Norway earned a tough 2-1 comeback win against Canada, while Austral
<< Denmark's Group D climb must start with New Zealand
Wuhan, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - After dropping its opener to China on a late
goal, Denmark faces an uphill battle to advance out of Group D.
Denmark is ranked sixth in the world - the highest in the group - but already
trails China and
<< Canada aims to rebound against Ghana
Hangzhou, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Canada and Ghana are both coming off
losses in their opening match, and a win is a must for either team if they are
to hold out hope of advancing into the quarterfinals.
Canada took a 1-0 lead int
<< Red Bulls look to cool Fire, improve playoff position
Bridgeview, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Red Bull New York and the Chicago Fire
square off for the third and final time this season in a Major League Soccer
fixture Saturday at Toyota Park.
The teams just played each other on Sept. 1 -
<< Rams CB Hill to miss Sunday's game against 49ers
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - St. Louis Rams head coach Scott Linehan
announced that starting cornerback Tye Hill will miss Sunday's game against
San Francisco after hurting his lower back in practice on Thursday.
Hill, the 15t
United acquires Monteiro from Fire >>
Washington, D.C. (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - D.C. United announced Friday the club has
acquired Jerson Monteiro from the Chicago Fire in exchange for a conditional
2008 MLS SuperDraft pick. Uniteds roster included an open developmental spot
for the
Farfan could make season debut vs. Vitesse >>
Eindhoven, Holland (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Three-time defending Eredivisie
champions PSV Eindhoven could get a extra boost of energy on Saturday when it
plays Vitesse at Philips Stadium.
Jefferson Farfan, who has missed all season due
Manning, Umenyiora practice >>
East Rutherford, NJ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Giants got a boost
on Friday, as both quarterback Eli Manning and defensive end Osi Umenyiora
practiced in preparation for Sunday's game against Green Bay.
Head coach Tom Coug
Unbeatens Bayern Munich, Schalke clash >>
Munich, Germany (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Bayern Munich will put its unbeaten mark on
the line on Saturday against Schalke 04, the only other club in the Bundesliga
that hasn't lost this season.
Although the league contenders haven't lost yet, the
Phils' Alfonseca suspended four games >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Antonio Alfonseca was suspended for four games and fined an undisclosed amount
for intentionally throwing at Colorado's Todd Helton on Thursday.
With two outs i
Problem with Bears?
Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
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