11.  With three years remaining on his contract, Blaylock might be a desirable property for a team that needs a tough defender.

12.  Costa, who has a reputation of being a tough defender, had his nose broken in the incident and will be sidelined for about three weeks.

13.  In Weatherspoon, the Celtics get a tough defender and rebounder with a solid low-post game and good touch on medium-range jumpers.

14.  Italy coach Cesare Maldini included tough defender Gianluca Pessotto instead of the more offensive-minded Demetrio Albertini.

15.  Juventus coach Marcello Lippi said Montero was being targeted by Italian referee because of his reputation as a tough defender.

16.  Maldini included tough defender Pessotto in his lineup instead of the more offensive minded Albertini.

17.  Venables was criticized in some sections for persisting with an attacking lineup right to the end of the Iran match while several tough defenders sat on the bench.