THURSDAY, 11.30AM:
ITALY beat Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions 3-0 on Wednesday, breaking the deadlock in Group B of the World Cup.
The Lions suffered one goal from Italy’s new star, Luigi di Bagio, and two from Christian Vieri. Unfortunately, the Africans handicapped themselves in the 43rd minute — Raymond Kalla was sent off for an overly aggressive late challenge on Di Bagio, leaving his compatriots to struggle on short one man.
Vieri’s goals came in the last 15 minutes, despite courageous play from the Cameroonians, the second coming just one minute from time.
The Lions must now steel themselves for what is certain to be a tough final group match against Chile.
Chile drew 1-1 with Austria in their World Cup Group B match on Wednesday.
SPORT BRIEFS
KRIGE’S SEASON THREATENED
WESTERN Province flanker Corn Krige’s season is threatened by a car accident which has left him needing surgery on his right hand. Krige missed a Springbok tour place last year after being injured in the Currie Cup final.
WESTNER TO MISS MADEIRA
WAYNE WESTNER will miss this week’s Madeira Open after he suffered an ankle injury during a practice round on Tuesday.
FERREIRA PRIMED FOR WIMBLEDON
WAYNE FERREIRA is ready for Wimbledon, according to fitness coach Kieran Vorster. The ankle injury that forced him to pull out of the French Open last month seems to be behaving, and the medical reports are positive. Ferreira has been nursing the injury, playing as little as possible. He is confident he can beat Arnaud Clement, his draw for his first-round match.
Wimbledon
BLATTER BACKS AFRICA 2006 BID
ENGLAND’S hopes of hosting the 2006 World Cup hit a bump on Tuesday when newly elected Fifa president Sepp Blatter gave his support to an African bid. South Africa, England and Germany have been the only three serious bid contenders to emerge so far. “An African country would have a very strong chance of winning the right to host 2006,” Blatter said.
US OPEN SA PAIRINGS
THE Southern African players’ pairings and Wednesday tee-off times for the US Open:
Retief Goosen is paired with Fuzzy Zoeller and Stewart Clink, they tee off at 7.10pm.
Ernie Els tees off with Justin Leonard and amateur Matt Kuchar at 9.00pm.
Nick Price, Scott Simpson and Don Pooley tee off at 9.10pm.
Trevor Dodds plays with Tommy Tolles and Michael Reid, teeing off at 9.40pm.