Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research

Colombia were a mere six minutes away from finishing second in their group and having to face Brazil in the Round of 16. A goal from Ghana in the 84 th minute of the final match changed the deal, however, pushing the South Americans down to third in Group F and thus meaning they avoid the Auriverde. But it may well be a case of out of the frying pan, into the fire for the Cafeteros, as they will face Nigeria, who strolled through the group stage and are now among the favourites for the title. Both teams are renowned for their physical presence on the pitch, so the Soccer Only Field at Gwangyang should witness an epic battle.

Marat Safin, the 2000 US Open winner and former world No. 1, withstood a spirited challenge from Frank Dancevic, a Canadian qualifier playing in his first US Open, 7-5, 7-6, 7-6. Safin, the volatile Russian with a game as imposing—but also as erratic—as anyone on tour, kept his on-court outbursts to a minimum in advancing to the second round.

Mohamad Aljomaa today challenged his players to defeat England for the sake of the nation. The Syria coach is eager to see his team reach the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup and has consequently charged his squad to 'win at all costs' ahead of the match in Jeju on Thursday evening.

Through much of the first set in the second round match between Justine Henin and Tsvetana Pironkova at the 2007 US Open, the reason for the disparity in their world rankings was not apparent. However, while Pironkova made Henin fight for the first set, the Belgian stepped up her game and cruised through the second to win in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0 in Louis Armstrong Stadium.