11.   Nine countries have so far won berths for the Olympics.

12.   The semifinal berth is won on goal aggregate.

13.   The results leave the top three almost certain to win berths when the national skating federation chooses its three European Championships participants on Monday.

14.   When the national team won its World Cup berth last fall, fans streamed into the streets by the millions.

15.   With its first win in the tournament, Cruzeiro now has four points and a chance to win a berth for the next round.

16.   Twenty year old Ponting, who plays for Tasmania, was earmarked for selection once he won the berth to New Zealand.

17.   Observers in her entourage were doubtful about her chances of placing first or second in the finals and winning a berth on the Olympic team.