HAVE CUP FINAL, WILL SCORE

Statisticians have some disturbing news for France. The folks who pore over the record books have discovered that Ronaldo has scored in and won every cup final in which he has started.

That includes the 1997 Copa America for Brazil; the 1997 European Cup Winners’ Cup for Barcelona and the 1998 UEFA Cup for Inter Milan.

MONEY IS NO OBJECT

How much does the teenage sensation of the World Cup earn? Not enough, according to the club that foots the bill.

As a result, Liverpool says it is prepared to go to whatever lengths are necessary to keep England striker Michael Owen happy.

Owen, 18, signed a $16,000-a-week contract with the club last year, but Rick Parry, the team’s chief executive, told the BBC he is optimistic that Liverpool would be able to fight off any huge financial bids for Owen’s signature.