Portugal should expect battle from North Korea

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06/20/2010 - Cape Town, South Africa (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Portugal may be the third-ranked team in the world according to FIFA, but it should expect to get a battle from North Korea on Monday at Green Point Stadium in its second Group G contest.

Portugal settled for a 0-0 tie against the Ivory Coast in its opener, and with a game against mighty Brazil still to play, three points are a must for Carlos Queiroz's team if they want to have a real chance at advancing in the World Cup.

"We'll have to play higher up the pitch against the North Koreans and take more risks because we need a victory," Queiroz said. "Obviously we can't afford to play the way we did in our last match. We got a point against a very strong team and now we'll approach the next game with a clear goal: to win."

In order for Portugal to look better in attack, the play of Cristiano Ronaldo must improve after a string of disappointing efforts for the national team.

Ronaldo failed to score in any of the seven World Cup qualifiers he played in for his team, and although he created the best chance of the match with a brilliant long-range effort that crashed off the post, he must find his form for Portugal to have success.

He won't get any help from veteran midfielder Deco, who will miss the match with a hip injury, which could open the door for Atletico Madrid midfielder Simao Sabrosa to find his way into the starting lineup after he was surprisingly left on the bench to start the last match.

However, a win is anything but a sure thing for Portugal after the North Koreans gave Brazil all it could handle in its opening match. Brazil edged the North Koreans 2-1.

The match was scoreless through halftime until Brazil found a pair of goals in the second half, with a late consolation strike from Ji Yun Nam making the final score look good.

The Asian side is very disciplined in defense and they may be able to frustrate the Portuguese into making mistakes, which could allow them to grab the point they need to stay in contention.

Brazil sits atop the group with six points after its 3-1 win over the Ivory Coast on Sunday, meaning that Portugal can take over the second spot in the group and put itself in a good position to advance if it can get past the stubborn North Koreans.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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