Briefs | Portugal, Turkey reach quarters in Euro 2008

Soccer

Ronaldo gives Portugal win over Czechs: Cristiano Ronaldo's first goal for Portugal since October was the winner in a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Wednesday that moved the Portuguese into the quarterfinals of Euro 2008.

Ronaldo's goal in the 63rd minute came off a brilliant pass by playmaker Deco, who scored Portugal's first goal. Substitute Ricardo Quaresma clinched it in injury time on Ronaldo's pass.

Turkey's Arda Turan scored in injury time, eliminating Switzerland 2-1. Turan sent a right-footed shot from outside the area that deflected in off a Switzerland defender.

Chelsea hires Portugal's Scolari: Chelsea hired Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as the English soccer team's new manager.

NHL

Trevor Linden retires after long career in Vancouver: Canucks forward Trevor Linden retired from the NHL, 20 years to the day after the team drafted him into the league.

"It's just the right time," said Linden, who spent 16 of 19 seasons in Vancouver.

Detroit's Babcock gets three-year extension: Detroit coach Mike Babcock signed a three-year deal worth about $4.5 million a week after helping bring the Stanley Cup back to Detroit.

College football

Curry will coach new program at Georgia State: Almost 50 years after he began his college playing career at Georgia Tech, Bill Curry, 65, will become the first coach of Georgia State's new football program today.

Arkansas dismisses Fairchild: Freddie Fairchild, the Arkansas linebacker arrested in March on misdemeanor charges of battery and false imprisonment, has been dismissed from the team, coach Bobby Petrino said.

Nehlen recuperates after heart bypass: Former West Virginia coach Don Nehlen was recuperating a day after having triple heart bypass surgery.

College basketball

Indiana faces NCAA over Sampson: Indiana is about to go on defense with the NCAA. School officials are scheduled to go before the NCAA infractions committee Friday in Seattle over alleged rules violations by former basketball coach Kelvin Sampson.

They will be trying to avoid penalties beyond the scholarship and recruiting restrictions the school imposed when the allegations came to light last year.

A decision is not expected until at least late July.

Horse racing

Belmont questions Desormeaux: Big Brown's jockey Kent Desormeaux met with racing stewards to discuss his controversial ride, and eventual surrender, in the 140th Belmont Stakes.

Trainer Richard Dutrow said he did not want Desormeaux to ride Big Brown in the first place and would like to replace him now. But Michael Iavarone, a co-president of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings, which owns part of Big Brown, said Desormeaux would remain the colt's pilot for his next race — the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park or the Travers Stakes at Saratoga.

Desormeaux said that he had spoken with Dutrow, and that they had ironed out their differences.

Thoroughbred officials to answer safety questions from Congress: Top Thoroughbred racing figures — including Richard Dutrow, the trainer of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown — will answer questions next week in Washington on horse deaths, drugs and the industry's "special status" regarding gambling.

Tennis

Federer extends grass court streak to 55: Roger Federer shook off his French Open final loss, extending his grass court streak to 55 matches with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Michael Berrer at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany. Defending champion Tomas Berdych lost 6-2, 7-5 to Robin Soderling.

Nadal advances at Queen's Club: French Open champion Rafael Nadal beat Jonas Bjorkman 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the third round at Queen's Club.

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