DAVID - an american football icon

David Beckham's bid to redefine football's place in the US sports landscape begins in earnest on Friday, when the Los Angeles Galaxy introduce their sleek European import.

The former England captain and his pop-star wife Victoria arrive amid a swirl of publicity befitting their new Hollywood home.

But it will likely be Beckham's abilities on the pitch that determine whether his tenure here will ultimately be judged an experiment or an era in Major League Soccer's development.

In America Beckham will face a twin challenge - infusing oft-overlooked football with enough glamour to attract new fans, while playing at a level high enough to satisfy serious sports spectators.

Some 14.5 million Americans play football, but its popularity pales in comparison to the top three sports: American football, basketball and baseball.

Sharapova pulls out of Fed Cup semifinal against U.S.

MOSCOW (AP) -Maria Sharapova withdrew from the Fed Cup semifinals against the United States because of a right shoulder injury.

In a statement posted on her Web site Tuesday, the 2006 U.S. Open champion said she had a "tremendous amount of swelling'' and doctors advised her to rest her shoulder for the next 10 days.

Sharapova reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last week, losing to eventual champion Venus Williams. Venus and Serena Williams are expected to play for the United States against Russia this weekend in Stowe, Vt.

"I know this withdrawal is very frustrating for all my Russian fans, but I promise you it is way more frustrating for me,'' Sharapova said. "Nothing would (have) made me happier than beating the Americans on American soil.''

Russia's remaining roster includes Svetlana Kuznetsova, Nadia Petrova and Anna Chakvetadze.

It's the second time this year Sharapova has withdrawn from the Fed Cup. She was expected to make her debut for Russia in April, but pulled out citing shoulder and leg injuries

No. 1 Draft Pick

An early entry candidate for the 2007 NBA Draft.

Career Highlights: Named to The Associated Press All-America First Team. Was the first Buckeye named to the first team since Jim Jackson in 1991-92. Named a 2007 Wooden All-American. Named the NABC National Defensive Player of the Year and the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year. Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and was selected First-Team All Big Ten by the coaches and media.

Strengths: Legit seven-footer with all the physical attributes to develop into a dominant NBA center. A game-changer on defense with his ability to block shots and rebound. Runs the floor exceptionally well. Plays with a calm and confident demeanor.

Personal: Son of Zoe and Greg Oden Sr. Has a brother Anthony who is a junior at Lawrence North High School.

EUFA 08 @ Moscow

July start - The ceremony will be staged at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland from 12.00CET and is to be conducted by David Taylor, UEFA General Secretary, and Michele Centenaro, UEFA head of club competitions. The first qualifying round will be staged over two legs on 17/18 and 24/25 July, with the second qualifying round taking place on 31 July/1 August and 7/8 August. The final list of participants as well as the draw procedure will be confirmed in due course. The final will be staged in Moscow on 21 May 2008.