11.   When three top pitchers, three big bats and a leadoff hitter spend time on the disabled list, chances of repeating as division champions are going to suffer.

12.   Otherwise, the three-time World Cup champion will go into a playoff against either Ukraine or Belarus.

13.   But as long as Sanath Jayasuriya was still around, the World Cup champions were always going to be in with a shout.

14.   Defending champion AEK went on the attack from the start of the game against Kavala but its players could not score.

15.   European champion Juventus went six points ahead of second place Vicenza at least temporarily because Vicenza had to play later Sunday against struggling Parma.

16.   Everywhere the former heavyweight champion went, he was greeted by cheers and applause.

17.   French champion Nantes goes to Eindhoven while Lazio needs to beat Galatasaray at home to stay in contention with a round of games to go.

18.   In the other game, three-time champion Germany goes against South Korea, which ousted Spain on penalty kicks.

19.   It used to be that champions were going for the double, excelling in all disciplines.

20.   On Saturday, defending champion Olympiakos went ahead in the third minute with a header by defender Jorge Bermudes off a corner from Djordjevic.