Reuters U.S. Sports Schedule at 2 PM EDT on Thursday, July 3

July 3 (Reuters) - Reuters U.S. sports schedule at 2 PM ET on Thursday: - - - - The duty editor is Steve Ginsburg, 202-898-8427 - - - - SOCCER We continue the build-up to the quarter-finals which start on Friday: France v Germany Brazil v Colombia Argentina v Belgium Netherlands v Costa Rica (SOCCER-WORLD/, expect stories throughout) - - - - The following are stories selected from our extensive World Cup file - - Donovan slams Klinsmann's tactics after U.S. exit Landon Donovan, the United States' record scorer who was left out of the World Cup squad, is criticizing coach Juergen Klinsmann's tactics during their campaign which ended with a 2-1 second round extra-time defeat by Belgium. (SOCCER-WORLD/USA-DONOVAN, moved, by Simon Evans, 450 words) - - Sex please we're still in with a chance at the World Cup SAO PAULO - It might be hard to stand up in court but evidence is mounting that sex is good for soccer players - at least in this World Cup. (SOCCER-WORLD/BRAZIL-SEX, moved, by Andrew Downie, 300 words) - - It's only a game! World Cup keeps fans laughing BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil - What's the difference between a tea-bag and the England soccer team? The tea-bag stays in a cup longer! Heard what Spain's coach Vicente Del Bosque said to his charges after two shocking losses? "Don't worry, we still have options: aisle or window seats." (SOCCER-WORLD/HUMOR (PIX, TV), moved, by Andrew Cawthorne, 875 words) - - More science than art to penalty shootout success RIO DE JANEIRO - Penalty shootouts have been used at the World Cup since 1982 but while every one of the 24 to date has routinely been described as "dramatic" there is a deal more science than art when it comes to converting successfully from 12 yards. (SOCCER-WORLD/SHOOTOUTS, moved, by Mitch Phillips, 775 words) - - 'Nervenstaerke' - the secret of Germany shootout success SANTO ANDRE, Brazil - Germany has gone to penalty shootouts four times in previous World Cups and emerged the winners all four times while converting 17 penalties in 18 attempts - what's the secret behind that uncanny success? (SOCCER-WORLD/GER-PENALTIES (PIX, TV), moved, by Erik Kirschbaum, 525 words) - - FIFA anti-discrimination boss laments lack of abuse-spotters RIO DE JANEIRO - FIFA's anti-discrimination chief is hitting out at world soccer's governing body for not deploying staff specifically to tackle racist or homophobic abuse among fans at World Cup matches. (SOCCER-WORLD/DISCRIMINATION, moved, by William Schomberg and Mike Collett, 500 words) - - - - TENNIS The Championships, Wimbledon, England LONDON - Canadian Eugenie Bouchard will face 2011 champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in the Wimbledon finals after each record straight-set victories in their semifinal matches at the All England Club. (TENNIS-WIMBLEDON/ PIX), expect by 1930 GMT/3:30 PM ET, by Pritha Sarkar, 900 words) - - Kvitova eyes second title after Czech showdown LONDON - Petra Kvitova ruthlessly ends the grand slam hopes of her friend Lucie Safarova in an all-Czech semi-final and sets her sights on claiming a second Wimbledon title against a young upstart chasing her first. (TENNIS-WIMBLEDON/KVITOVA (UPDATE 2, PIX), moved, by David Goodman, 500 words) - - Bouchard controls her nerves to reach Wimbledon final LONDON - Powerful Canadian Eugenie Bouchard overcomes match-point jitters to claim an eventful 7-6(5) 6-2 victory over Romania's Simona Halep 7-6(5) 6-2 and reach a grand slam final for the first time. (TENNIS-WIMBLEDON/BOUCHARD (PIX, UPDATE 1), moved, by Clare Lovell, 350 words) - - Young upstarts Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov have caused quite a stir at Wimbledon over the last two weeks with a string of fine performances but the pair know they must rise to the challenges that await them in the men's semifinals on Friday. (TENNIS-WIMBLEDON/MEN (PREVIEW), moved, 475 words) - - - - NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE NFL Analysis: Legion of Boom best DB group In the third part of an in-depth look at each position group, TSX writers with all 32 teams analyze defensive back groups. When it comes to determining the best defensive secondary in the NFL, there is little reason for discussion. The title belongs to the Seattle Seahawks' Legion of Boom. (FBN-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, By Frank Cooney, 8,700 words) Next Week: Offensive position groups Thursday: Top Team Strengths for all 32 NFL teams - - NFL Analysis: Selecting strength of every team In honor of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, The Sports Xchange will celebrate something positive - The No. 1 Strength of every NFL team. (FBN-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, By Frank Cooney, 3,750 words) - - - - NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Free Agency Roundup Roundup off all news from the first day of free agency in the NBA. (BKN-NEWS/, expect by 0000 GMT/8 PM ET, The Sports Xchange, 500 words) - - Kobe to help Lakers make pitch to Anthony Kobe Bryant, who has been traveling in Brazil and Europe in recent weeks, returns to Los Angeles so he could play a key part in the Lakers' pitch to free agent forward Carmelo Anthony. (BKN-LAKERS-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, 275 words) - - Report: Clippers interested in Pierce The Los Angeles Clippers, looking for roster upgrades, have engaged in conversations with the Brooklyn Nets to try to construct a sign-and-trade that would reunite Paul Pierce with Doc Rivers. (BKN-CLIPPERS-NETS-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, 175 words) - - Report: Knicks want Rambis as top assistant The New York Knicks offer a four-year, $4.8 million contract to Kurt Rambis to be the top assistant coach under Derek Fisher, the New York Post is reporting. (BKN-KNICKS-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, 125 words) - - - - GOLF PGA Tour: The Greenbrier Classic, White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Watson ready for title bid at The Greenbrier American world No. 3 and Masters champion Bubba Watson, the highest-ranked player in the field, will launch his bid for a third PGA Tour victory of the year in today's opening round on The Greenbrier's Old White Course. (GOLF-PGA/ (PIX), expect end-of-day lead by 2300 GMT/7 PM ET, 300 words) - - Stricker may ultimately regret decision if he misses Open LONDON - Former U.S. Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange says world No. 18 Steve Stricker may live to regret his decision if he chooses to miss this month's British Open at Hoylake. (GOLF-OPEN/STRICKER (INTERVIEW), expect by 2000 GMT/4 PM ET, by Tony Jimenez, 600 words) - - Stadler hails Ryder venue after grabbing French Open lead PARIS - Kevin Stadler, son of 1982 U.S. Masters champion Craig, showers praise on the 2018 Ryder Cup venue of Le Golf National after sprinting clear of the field in the first round of the French Open. (GOLF-EUROPEAN/, moved, 250 words) - - - - MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL MLB Roundup TSX will move an MLB game roundup following the conclusion of the first game and updated through the final game of the day. (BBO-NEWS/, The Sports Xchange) - - FEATURE: Cuba opens pipeline of baseball talent to Japan, U.S. left out HAVANA/TOKYO - Cuba is allowing some of its best baseball players to take their skills to Japan and make good money instead of risking their lives at sea with human traffickers in pursuit of Major League Baseball dreams. (CUBA-BASEBALL/ (PIX), moved, by Daniel Trotta and Junko Fujita, 1,000 words) - - MLB Column: One opinion for All-Star teams Major League Baseball will announce the All-Star teams Sunday, but why wait that long? One man's opinion of how the teams should look when the National League and American League square off July 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis. (BBO-COLUMN/, moved, The Sports Xchange, By John Perrotto, 1,025 words) - - Yanks option Solarte to Triple-A New York Yankees rookie infielder Yangervis Solarte, who opened the season hitting .336 in his first 34 games but only .187 in his last 37 games, is sent down to Triple-A. (BBO-YANKEES-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, 175 words) - - Dodgers' Ramirez could be headed for DL LOS ANGELES - After missing his fourth start in a row Wednesday, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez could be headed for a stint on the 15-day disabled list. (BBO-DODGERS-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, By Forrest Lee, 200 words) - - Mets' Wright close to return ATLANTA - The New York Mets return to Citi Field for a 10-game homestand beginning Friday and that is certainly good news. Even better news is that David Wright should be ready to rejoin them. (BBO-METS-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, By Guy Cutright, 250 words) - - *The Sports Xchange covers all MLB games. Key matchups highlighted below. - - Phillies at Marlins MIAMI - The sliding Phillies turn to Kyle Kendrick, who has a 9.00 ERA in the first inning, but just a 3.34 ERA in every other inning. The Marlins, meanwhile, seek consistency out of Brad Hand in the fifth spot in the rotation. (BBO-PHILLIES-MARLINS-FIRSTLEDE-WRITETHRU/ (PIX), expect first lede ASAP after the 2210 GMT/6:10 PM ET game, The Sports Xchange, By Walter Villa, 400-word first lede, 700-word writethru) - - Diamondbacks at Pirates PITTSBURGH - Vance Worley takes the mound for the Pirates while sporting a 2-0 record with a 1.74 ERA in three starts since being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. (BBO-DIAMONDBACKS-PIRATES-FIRSTLEDE-WRITETHRU/ (PIX), expect first lede ASAP after the 2305 GMT/7:05 PM ET game, The Sports Xchange, By John Perrotto, 400-word first lede, 700-word writethru) - - Yankees at Twins MINNEAPOLIS - The Twins' Phil Hughes faces his former team for the second time this season. He limited the Yankees to two runs on three hits over eight innings in a victory at Yankee Stadium earlier this season. (BBO-YANKEES-TWINS-FIRSTLEDE-WRITETHRU/ (PIX), expect first lede ASAP after the 0010 GMT/8:10 PM ET game, The Sports Xchange, 400-word first lede, 700-word writethru) - - MLB Wrap: Yankees' Tanaka seeks MLB-leading 12th win Japanese rookie right-hander Masahiro Tanaka (11-3) looks to become the season's first 12-game winner when he takes the mound for the New York Yankees against the host Minnesota Twins in one of nine games on the Major League Baseball schedule. (BASEBALL-HIGHLIGHTS/ (PIX), expect by 0330 GMT/11:30 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 975 words) - - The full MLB schedule American League Texas at Baltimore, 7:05 PM ET Tampa Bay at Detroit, 7:08 PM ET New York Yankees at Minnesota, 8:10 PM ET Toronto at Oakland, 9:05 PM ET Houston at Los Angeles Angels, 10:05 PM ET - - National League St. Louis at San Francisco, 3:45 PM ET Philadelphia at Miami, 6:10 PM ET Arizona at Pittsburgh, 7:05 PM ET Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado, 8:10 PM ET - - - - NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Free Agency Roundup Roundup off all news from the first day of free agency in the NHL. (HKN-NEWS/, expect by 0000 GMT/8 PM ET, The Sports Xchange, 500 words) - - Penguins re-sign F Sill The Pittsburgh Penguins re-sign unrestricted free agent forward Zach Sill to a one-year, two-way contract worth $550,000 at the NHL level. (HKN-PENGUINS-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, 100 words) - - Canucks sign F Vrbata Free agent forward Radim Vrbata signs a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. (HKN-CANUCKS-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, 150 words) - - Hurricanes sign D Gleason Unrestricted free agent defenseman Tim Gleason agrees to terms with the Carolina Hurricanes on a one-year, $1.2 million contract. (HKN-HURRICANES-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, 200 words) - - - - TRACK & FIELD American Tyson Gay back in action LAUSANNE - Tyson Gay returns to 100 meters action at the Diamond League meeting in Switzerland after serving a one-year doping ban. He'll face longtime rival and fellow American Justin Gatlin. (ATHLETICS-DIAMOND/LAUSANNE (PIX), expect from 2200 GMT/6 PM ET, by John Mehaffey, 600 words) - - - - MIXED MARTIAL ARTS UFC 175: Machida looks to make history In 21 years, only two Ultimate Fighting Championship competitors have held titles in separate weight classes: Randy Couture, a five-time champ at heavyweight and light heavyweight, and B.J. Penn, who had reigns at welterweight and lightweight. (FIGHTING-NEWS/, moved, The Sports Xchange, Dave Doyle, 657 words) - - - - TOUR de FRANCE American Van Garderen emerges from Evans's shadow LEEDS, England - There will be no hiding place for young American rider Tejay van Garderen when the Tour de France begins in Leeds on Saturday. He'll lead the BMC team in the absence of 2011 winner Cadel Evans. (CYCLING-TOUR/VANGARDEREN (TV), moved, by Martyn Herman, 575 words) Note: Several other Tour de France stories have moved - - - - AUTO RACING Haas steps into F1 with Ferrari sponsorship SILVERSTONE, England - Haas Automation, the machine tools company whose owner Gene Haas plans to enter Formula One in 2016 with a new U.S.-based team, announces a sponsorship with Ferrari as a first step. (MOTOR RACING-PRIX/HAAS, moved, by Alan Baldwin, 250 words) - - - - OBITUARIES War hero and inspiration for 'Unbroken,' dies Louis Zamperini, an American prisoner of war in World War II and Olympic runner whose life inspired the book and upcoming feature film "Unbroken," dies at the age of 97. (PEOPLE-ZAMPERINI/ (UPDATE 2), moved, 225 words) - - - - NORTH AMERICAN SPORTS Roundups of off-field developments in the major North American professional sports leagues. (Expect by 0000 GMT/8 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 400 words)