Short Corner — Chandigarh

Champagne time
Having uncorked the World Cup champagne with their 3-0 victory over South Africa, France can sweep away any doubts about their championship pedigree against Saudi Arabia tomorrow.

Danes overconfident
Over-confidence is the main danger facing Denmark before their second World Cup match against South Africa tomorrow as the Danish players already have their eyes fixed on the next round.

PUNCOM win
Fine knock by Ravneet Ricky (82) and all round performance by skipper Krishan Mohan (67 and 2 for 35) helped PUNCOM down Punjab State Electricity Board, Patiala by 13 runs in the first Girdhari Lal Memorial cricket tournament today.

Injuries worry
The home of cricket has been no friend to England in recent years. South Africa will hope the trend continues in the second Test starting at the Lord’s from tomorrow. Lord’s unique atmosphere used to work wonders for England when they entertained their visitors from the colonies. By the time the tourists had recovered their composure and started competing, they were usually half beaten.

Shilton says
The wait seemed like eternity but in the end it was worth it as England got off to a solid start with a 2-0 victory over Tunisia in their opening match. The win was greeted with euphoria back home and was good after all the trouble with so-called English fans fighting in Marseille. I know from my experience of playing for the national team that you feel really let down and ashamed when these mobs go on the rampage.

Rain deters team
The Indian cricket team which landed here yesterday for the Independence Cup triangular cricket tournament amidst unprecedented security had little workout today due to inclement weather.