AFP - Barcelona defender Daniel Alves spared Brazil's blushes as his late goal earned the five time world champions a 1-0 win over spirited South Africa here Thursday to book their place in the Confederations Cup final.

AP - Chris Davis and David Murphy hit back-to-back homers in the 12th inning, Andruw Jones also homered and the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-8 on Thursday night.

AP - The news of Israeli basketball player Omri Casspi's selection in the NBA draft set off a major celebration in his home country.

AP - Venus Williams ambled onto sun-splashed Court 1 at Wimbledon on Thursday, a slight hitch in her step and an odd-looking wrap around her left knee. White tape here, brown tape there.

AP - Whether it was nerves, rust or age — or a combination of the three — John Smoltz had a rough debut inning for the Boston Red Sox.

AP - Johan Santana was struggling. He had gone to 3-0 counts on four of his first 11 batters — something he hadn't done in an entire game in six years, not counting intentional walks.

AP - Vince Carter is going home to Orlando, and to the Eastern Conference champion Magic.

AP - LeBron James is a unique talent, a once-in-a-generation player who has lifted a franchise to unprecedented heights. He's also a red-carpet celebrity whose circle of friends includes billionaire business moguls and rap stars.

AP - On a draft day that felt like the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Clippers never considered a deal.

AFP - Australia's Lleyton Hewitt rolled back the Wimbledon years on Thursday to reach the third round with a blistering dismissal of Argentine fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro.

AFP - Former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira promised to introduce South Africa to 'samba football', a mission pursued by his successor, Joel Santana.