Leading Off

Nothing but Nyet
Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saved a shot by forward Henrik Larsson of Sweden (17) during their final group-play match of the European Championships on June 18 in Innsbruck , Austria . Russia won 2--0 to advance to the quarterfinals, then upset the Netherlands 3--1. Spain and midfielder Cesc F�bregas (inset), whose penalty kick clinched a quarterfinal victory over Italy on Sunday, will meet Russia in the Thursday semifinal.

Backward Glance
Samantha Peszek of Indianapolis maintained her focus during the vault competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials last Friday in Philadelphia . The 16-year-old Peszek, who finished fourth in the apparatus, did not qualify for Beijing but is still a likely candidate (page 64). Of the team's six spots only two were awarded last weekend: to first-place finisher Shawn Johnson (inset) and to runner-up Nastia Liukin .

Over and Out
Looking back, Chris Duncan of the Cardinals was disappointed to find that Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek had held on to the ball after their collision at home plate in the 13th inning on Sunday in Boston . In the bottom of the frame, Kevin Youkilis (inset) blasted a walk-off homer to give the Red Sox a 5--3 win and avoid a three-game sweep.