Funkerstation » The Pirates hope to regroup now that theyy have finished

ISTANBUL - Fresh from winning the Under-21 European Championship, Spain finds itself in familiar territory ahead of the Under-20 World Cup — as the favourite to win yet another title. However, coach Julen Lopetegui tried to play down the expectations as his team prepared for its first match on Friday against the United States. He said his concern is getting past an American team that he praised for its tactics and physical style of play. "We are only thinking about the next match," Lopetegui said. "The history or the future, we cant think about this. Our concentration is on tomorrow no more." Billed as a tournament where future stars often emerge — after Diego Maradona starred in 1979, Luis Figo in 1991 and Lionel Messi in 2005 - it comprises six groups of four teams. The top two and the four best third-place teams advance to a knockout stage that begins July 2. Group A is seen as the toughest, since it features Spain, the U.S., France and Ghana, all of which are capable of going far in the tournament. Other teams tipped for the latter stages include Asian champion South Korea in Group B, South American champion Colombia in Group C and CONCACAF champion Mexico, which beat the U.S. in qualifying, in Group D. African champion Egypt is another candidate, from Group E. Security has been stepped up at all seven sites following weeks of sometimes violent protests after riot police brutally cracked down on environmental activists who opposed plans to remove trees and develop Gezi Park in Istanbul. But the protests this week have given way to peaceful resistance and so far the protesters have not targeted the tournament. Lopetegui said his team would bring Spains trademark "tiki taka" style of short passes and controlled possession, which helped its Under-21s beat Italy earlier this week in the European Championship final. The senior side has used it to win the 2010 World Cup and two consecutive European championships, and is also a favourite to win the Confederations Cup which is underway in Brazil. Spains Under-20s will be brimming with confidence, having beaten another tournament contender Paraguay 3-1 in a warm-up after winning the Under-19 European championship. The team features Oliver who has been compared to Xavi Hernandez, as well as scoring threats Gerard Deulofeu and Jese Rodriguez — who was the top scorer at the Under-19 championship. "The objective is to win, like every goal you set yourself in life," said Oliver, who plays for Atletico Madrid. "It goes without saying that well be taking it step by step, but were not frightened of anyone. Nor do we think were better than anyone. We are Spain and we need to go out and take the game to our rivals." The Americans understand they are the underdogs but welcome the opportunity to play one of the favourites early on. "Spain is sort setting the standard worldwide for soccer now," U.S. coach Tab Ramos said. "Were not going to be the ones to solve that problem and counter what they have been doing. We dont just look at Spain. We look at our group. When we qualified for the World Cup, you are always hoping you can play some of the best teams in the world. We got an opportunity to play three of them in our group and we welcome that challenge." Ghana, one of three strong African teams along with Nigeria and Egypt, was on the same wavelength - particularly having won the tournament in 2009. "Its my wish to win the cup a second time," said Ghana coach Sellas Tetteh, who coached that 2009 side. "Sometimes it depends on what almighty God decides. We will work very hard to attain that. I wish over the grace of God that things work very well for us to lift the cup a second time." Brazil and Argentina — which have won eight out of the last 10 competitions — failed to qualify, leaving it to emerging power Colombia to try and earn South America another title. Colombia is looking for its first youth title and is well aware of the expectations back home. "It puts a lot of responsibility on you when people say youre favourites, but its out on the pitch where you have to show if its justified or not," coach Carlos Restrepo said, ahead of the teams opener against Australia on Saturday. England, meanwhile, will be looking to lift its fortunes when it opens against Iraq following a disappointing showing in the Under-21-European Championship. It was knocked out early, the latest setback for a youth program that has failed in past Under-20 World Cups. Its best finish was third, a decade ago. "My expectations and the first thing we are looking to do is qualify for the next stage," said Peter Taylor, who took over as coach following a stint with the Bahrain national team. "Iraq are a very positive side and look to be very good at set pieces so we will have to be aware of that." Rashan Gary Youth Jersey . -- Charlie Graham stopped 67 shots as the Belleville Bulls edged the visiting Guelph Storm 6-5 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Mike Daniels Womens Jersey .S. hockey team after paying his dues as an NHL general manager for more than three decades and giving up a lot of his free time to help USA Hockey. http://www.packersrookiestore.com/Packers-Dexter-Williams-Jersey/ . Their 38th instalment is arguably their biggest fight card to date, including three-title fights and a main event which was selected by the fans. The promotion boasts 14-straight years of business and is operated by MFC president Mark Pavelich, who is often overlooked in this country for the foundation hes established for MMA in Canada. Mike Daniels Jersey . -- Sergey Tolchinksy scored his second goal of the game 3:56 into overtime as the Sault Ste. Rashan Gary Womens Jersey . The defending champion beat Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (6), 6-3, while second-seeded Andy Murray of Britain dispatched Edouard Roger-Vasselin, also of France, 6-3, 6-3. Making his first appearance since injuring his wrist a month ago, Del Potro had difficulty with his service games in the first set. BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Jerod Evans threw three touchdown passes and rushed for one to lift Virginia Tech over East Carolina 54-17 on Saturday.The Hokies (3-1) scored on their final five possessions of the first half, including all four of their second-quarter possessions, to overwhelm East Carolina (2-2) and snap a two-game losing streak to the Pirates.Evans completed 13 of 20 passes for a career-best 282 yards and rushed for a career-best 97 more. He entered the game having thrown an ACC-best 10 touchdown passes and has thrown just one interception on the season.ECU quarterback Philip Nelson had 362 yards passing and two touchdown tosses to Jimmy Williams to pace the Pirates.THE TAKEAWAYEAST CAROLINA: Coming off a 20-15 loss at South Carolina and playing its third consecutive game against a Power 5 opponent, the Pirates looked a step slow and out of sorts from the opening kick. They went three-and-out on five first-half possessions. The Pirates hope to regroup now that theyy have finished the non-conference portion of their schedule.ddddddddddddVIRGINIA TECH: The Hokies dominated on special teams, scoring three touchdowns as a result of those units. Greg Stroman scored on an 87-yard punt return, and Cam Phillips blocked a punt that led to an Evans touchdown pass to Travon McMillian. A sack of ECU punter Worth Gregory in the fourth quarter led to a 1-yard touchdown run by backup quarterback Brenden Motley.UP NEXTEAST CAROLINA: The Pirates open AAC play next Saturday with a home game against UCF. ECU blasted the Golden Knights 44-7 last season for their first win in Orlando since 2008.VIRGINIA TECH: The Hokies are off next week before taking on North Carolina on Oct. 8 and will be looking to avenge last years 30-27 overtime loss. The Hokies have won nine of the 12 meetings with the Tar Heels since joining the ACC. ' ' '