espn.com Ali Contest
The experts of the football world said they'd be the biggest flop of the World Cup. They were deemed "lucky" to make the Round of 16. They were dissed and dismissed by everyone from London to Buenos Aires. Despite it all, the Americans are now players in the soccer world, and Page 2's Michael Davies says they're here to stay. DAVIES: DAY 17 | DAY 16 | DAY 15




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Already this month, we've seen Lennox Lewis cement his legacy, the Red Wings make their case as the "best team ever," and the Lakers complete their threepeat. But when you talk about the undisputed champion of sports, Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the title belongs to one man alone. Welcome to life in the Tiger Dynasty.

Mystery Photo Brian Murphy
Sure, the Nets didn't win a game in their first trip to the NBA Finals -- but that doesn't mean they should be mocked with this larger-than-life brick. Page 2 couldn't figure out what message these Jersey fans were trying to send, so we asked for help with our Mystery Photo. Most of you displayed a soft touch.
They heckled. They roared. They even did the damn wave. They treated the U.S. Open like it was being played at a local muni ... which, come to think of it, it was. Page 2's Brian Murphy says the gallery at Bethpage was a joy to behold ... and be heard. So, here's to you, Nu Yawk.

SPORTOON
We're done waiting for someone to beat Tiger. We're just waiting for one of the "other guys" to step up and hit the damn ball. Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe examines El Tigre's approach to the game -- and how it differs from the rest of the field.


This week, Page 2 lists the top 10 championship blowouts in sports history. Take a look at our list, then send us your choice for the biggest championship romp of all-time. Later this week, we'll compile our re aders' list along with a poll to crown the No. 1 championship blowout of them all.

10]  Dodgers hold Yanks to four runs (1963 World Series)
The Yankees bat .171 for the Series, and have an anemic slugging percentage of .240.
9]  UNLV crushes Duke 103-73 (1990 NCAA Final)
The Runnin' Rebels become the first team to score 100-plus points in a final game, shooting 61 percent from the floor.
8]  Michigan trounces USC 49-0 (1948 Rose Bowl)
The big game against the Trojans, who are 15-point underdogs, is never much of a contest.
7]  49ers trounce Broncos 55-10 (Super Bowl XXIV)
MVP Joe Montana's final line -- 22-for-29 for 297 yards and five TDs. John Elway's line: 10-for-26 for 108 yards and two interceptions.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


ODDS TO WIN WORLD CUP 6/17
Brazil 2-1   Spain 4-1
Italy 9-2   England 7-2
Germany 5-1   United States 15-1
Japan 15-1   Senegal 25-1
Turkey 25-1   South Korea 22-1
Bold indicates home team | Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


THE SPORTS GUY
Bill Simmons offers his minute-by-minute account of what it was like to see the U.S. lose to Poland on TV.

ARMOR-ALL
Jim Caple wonders who's worse -- a pitcher who intimidates batters by throwing at their heads, or a slugger who intimidates pitchers by wearing body armor to the plate?

THE HOT LIST
Dan Shanoff slept in the parking lot all night so he could update us on what's hot and not in the sports world this week.

THE SPORTS GUY
Bill Simmons has some strict criteria for teams to be called dynasties, and the current L.A. Lakers don't qualify yet.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


Brian McBride, left, and the U.S. soccer team are definitely a hit. Page 2 is no fan of the Backstreet Boys, but a couple of our readers say McBride resembles the boy band's Brian Littrell. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Soccer: United States vs. Mexico
2:20 a.m. ET, ESPN
CONCACAF rivals fight for berth in quarterfinals.
 
Soccer: Belgium vs. Brazil
7:25 a.m. ET, ESPN
Belgians try to stop the Brazilian steamroller.
 
Soccer: Turkey vs. Japan
2:25 a.m. ET, ESPN (Tuesday morning)
Japan's dream World Cup continues in Round of 16.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., June 14: Up At Dawn
• Thurs., June 13: No Dynasty ... Yet
• Wed., June 12: Love It? Then Leave It
• Tues., June 11: Requiem for a Bad Dude
• Mon., June 10: Wonder of Me

Other featured content:
• Sportoon: NBA Finals review
• Power Poll
• Makin' it Better: Bills uniforms
• 10 Burning Questions for Bill Walton
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Monday, June 17, 2002
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