Globalsport

There were no goals and, at times, no soccer ball as 200 students celebrated the end of final exams at Luther College early Thursday. As many as 30 students were naked or wearing only underwear.

Mirsad Zahirovic, a 22-year-old computer science major, was arrested after he grabbed the officer taping the game. He was charged with interference and assault, both misdemeanors.

After the arrest, dozens of students stood in front of the police camera waving their arms while clothed students formed a circle around naked students, said Ann Barden, a former student and a friend of Zahirovic.

Match-fixing fear

KUALA LUMPUR: Women may be used as bait to lure players into fixing matches at next month8217;s World Youth Championships in Malaysia, Asian Football supremo Peter Velappan warned here today.

Velappan, the Asian Football Confederation8217;s AFC secretary general, said teams should be on the alert for attempts by bookmakers to influence results.He advised players to move in groups, report any offers of gifts from strangers and be wary of friendly approaches in public places like swimming pools and restaurants.

Aussies lead

ADELAIDE: Australia took a 2-1 lead in the best of six-match field hockey series against Pakistan here today after a 2-1 victory over the reigning World Cup champions.

The Australians followed up yesterday8217;s 3-2 win here with a come-from-behind victory as Pakistan led after a 20th-minute goal from Kamran Ashraf.Australia recovered in the second half with goals by Baeden Choppy in the 49th minute and Greg Corbitt in the 56th minute.

Iranians banned

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation AFC today imposed a 12-month suspension each on two Iranian players for having tested positively for drug abuse, officials said.

The two players belonging to Iranian club Piruzi FC are: Farshad Alahai and Naeim Saabavi, AFC general secretary Peter Velappan told reporters here.