1.   The save came just when China was starting to gain momentum, in part because of the absence of star U.S. midfielder Michelle Akers.

2.   Zinedine Zidane, the star midfielder, is of Algerian descent.

3.   Perhaps mercifully for the star midfielder, he is doubtful for the game with a sprained right ankle.

4.   Portuguese World Cup squad star midfielder Luis Figo has completely recovered from his ankle injury, team doctor Henrique Jones told a news agency Tuesday.

5.   Real Madrid played the match without star Danish midfielder Michael Laudrup, who was away with his national side.

6.   And the team will be without star midfielder Michael Ballack, suspended with two yellow cards.

7.   Argentina came out for the second half without star midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

8.   Arsenal is furious over the lucrative approach by Real Madrid for star midfielder Patrick Vieira.

9.   Atletico was forced to play without star midfielder Jose Caminero, out with a leg injury.

10.   Atletico was forced to play without star midfielder Jose Luis Perez Caminero, out with a leg injury.