Sunday, June 25, 2006

 

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World Cup

Netherlands-Portugal

MoneyControl

The Dutch have not lost a competitive match since a 2-1
defeat to the hosts of the European championship two years ago. Portugal, led
by Brazilan World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, have won all
three group games as they reached the World Cup second round for the first time
since 1966. They also have an impressive record against the Dutch, losing only
once in their previous nine meetings. Neither team has arguably been tested to
the full in the tournament so far. Portugal
faced an unfancied Iran
and World Cup debutants Angola
in Group D, needing only to turn up against Mexico
to book their spot in the last 16. The toughest challenge for the Dutch was
against favourites Argentina
in their final Group C game, but by then they too were already in the second
round after wins against the Ivory Coast
and Serbia
& Montenegro.
Van Basten is contemplating leaving out below-par
striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Detroit News

This is a close match to call and likely will go to extra
time or even a penalty-kick shootout. Arjen Robben, rested for the match against Argentina,
should return to attack the Portuguese defense with his fast runs and accurate
shooting. Portugal’s
talented forwards, with Luis Figo still going strong
at age 33, have created plenty of chances and will give the Dutch defense much
trouble. Portugal
will try to extend coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s winning streak in the World Cup to 11

 

Ecuador-England

Detroit News

Ghana,
Australia and Ecuador
provided the biggest shocks of the first round of the World Cup. Now they are
chasing even bigger ones in the last 16. Despite a 3-0 loss to the Germans, Ecuador
already had made it to second stage for the first time after shutout victories
over Poland and
Costa Rica. Now
it is keeping South American soccer giants Brazil
and Argentina company and faces England
in Stuttgart on Sunday. Michael Owen’s departure because of a serious knee injury has cast
a cloud over England’s camp and co-striker Wayne Rooney is under pressure to
recapture his best form. England’s
midfield is starting to hit its peak, however, with Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard performing well.

 

MLB

·       
Vazquez 2-5 personal, 3-8 team record to Houston

·       
Redman 5-2 personal record to Milwaukee

·       
In 15 starts, Brad Penny has a 2.83 ERA

·       
Towers 1-8 personal, 2-9 team record, Toronto
over 8-2 with him

·       
Mets over 10-4 with Trachsel

·       
Detroit
under 10-4 with Bonderman

·       
Florida
5-10 with Willis

·       
Mussina 8-3 personal record

·       
Washington
5-11 with Hernandez

·       
Tampa
under 9-3 with Hendrickson

·       
Boston
under 11-4 with Wakefield

·       
Seattle
over 10-5 with Pineiro

·       
Arizona
over 10-4 with Batista

·       
Ponson 7.33 road ERA in seven starts

·       
Loaiza 1-3 road 8.33 ERA