new signing Eric Cantona.

"I'm going to bank on two-handed punching power and a direct assault.'' -- Super-middleweight boxer Carlos Gimenez before his championship bout against champion Chris Eubank.

"Brazil got all the breaks tonight. It seemed like there was an invisible shield in front of their goal.'' -- US coach John Kowalski after his side lost 4-1 to Brazil in the final of the FIFA World Indoor Cup.

"Is this Christmas come early?'' -- Golfer Payne Stewart following his pocketing of $120,000 for sinking a birdie putt on the final hole at the Skins Game.

"What's the odds on all three missing putts like that?...Preposterous. I don't think you could get odds on it in Las Vegas.'' -- More Stewart.

"People still confuse me with that 15-year-old overweight little kid with a bad attitude.'' -- Golfer Anthony Mocklow after opening early lead during Belmont Invitational tournament.

"I wanted to go away and take some licks for a while.'' -- Mocklow on his competing abroad.

"I can't believe people would go so far as to assault people in black and white. It's scary.'' -- Director of referees Aldwyn Savery commenting after a soccer linesman was attacked by a spectator.

"It's competitive but friendly. That's the way I like to play my cricket.'' -- West Indies cricket captain Richie Richardson, whose side is currently touring Australia.

"It's absurd that people compare him to Maradona for he's not worth even Maradona's boot.'' -- Former Italian international Andrea Carnevale dismissing England's Paul Gascoigne as a talent of the quality of the Argentinian.