Inland Waterways » quarterfinals of the ice hockey world championship

MINSK, Belarus -- The Czech Republic scored three second-period, power-play goals in beating the United States 4-3 in the quarterfinals of the ice hockey world championship on Thursday. Also, Russia blanked France 3-0 to face defending champion Sweden or Belarus in the semifinals on Saturday. The Czechs will play Canada or Finland in the semis. Captain Tomas Rolinek answered Brock Nelsons power-play goal in the opening period, and Tomas Hertl, Roman Cervenka and Ondrej Nemec all beat veteran goaltender Tim Thomas on power plays in less than 10 minutes in the middle period. U.S. captain Justin Abdelkader received a five-minute penalty and was ejected for a big hit on forward Vladimir Sobotka, who needed treatment on the ice and did not return to the game. Czech coach Vladimir Ruzicka didnt give details about his injury but said he hoped Sobotka will be available for the semis. Tyler Johnson reduced the deficit to 4-2 with 1:10 left in the game, and added his second 13 seconds later, but it was too late and the U.S., bronze medallists last year, came up short. "I wish they (the goals) would have come a little sooner," Johnson said. Hertl and Cervenka scored from rebounds during Abdelkaders penalty, and Jaromir Jagr set up Nemec to drive a slap shot past Thomas. "We scored three power-plays goals and that decided the game," Jagr said. "But we messed things up in the last two minutes. It was a lesson for the young players, and for those who never experienced that the game ends only after the final whistle." Russia star forward Evgeni Malkin made his presence felt in his second game at the worlds as he scored a power-play goal and added an assist, and Artyom Anisimov and Alexander Kutuzov also scored at Frances expense. "I felt much better today, I had the time to get acclimated," said Malkin, who arrived from the NHL playoffs. "It was a good win but we could have played better and been more effective." Goaltender Sergei Bobrovski stopped 16 shots for the shutout. Another Russian star, forward Alex Ovechkin, returned after he missed a game due to a right leg injury. "It was a bit awkward to skate in the brace," Ovechkin said. "But Ill play without it the next game, and everything will be OK." Custom New York Giants Jerseys . -- Maxence Parrot of Bromont, Que. Dexter Lawrence Jersey .com) - Graeme McDowell opened up with a first- round, 5-under 67 on Thursday and he holds a 2-shot lead at the WGC - HSBC Champions. http://www.giantsrookiestore.com/Giants-Oshane-Ximines-Jersey/ . -- Gary Harris gave No. Darius Slayton Womens Jersey . The Italian football federation announced the appointment, three days after new president Carlo Tavecchio was elected. Tavecchio and Conte spoke on the phone early Thursday. Lawrence Taylor Youth Jersey .com) - A chant of Zeke reverberated around AT&T Stadium before Ezekiel Elliott powered into the end zone for his fourth and final touchdown. MONACO -- Bayern Munich and France midfielder Franck Ribery won the UEFA Best Player in Europe award for the 2012-2013 season on Thursday, beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by a big margin. Ribery earned 36 votes in the poll of journalists from across Europe -- 23 more than four-time reigning world player of the year Messi. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo won three votes. "Its a very special moment to be standing here this evening," Ribery said after receiving the award following the draw for the group stage of the Champions League in Monaco. The 30-year-old Ribery was instrumental to Bayern Munichs incredible season in which the team won the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup. "This distinction rewards Franck for the magnificent season he had wwith his club and above all underlines his magnificent talent which allows him to be considered among the best players in the world," French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet said.dddddddddddd"Everyone in French football is very proud, and are with me in congratulating him." The three-man shortlist was selected by a panel of 53 journalists drawn from each of UEFAs member nations. The same journalists then voted for the winner. UEFA created the award after France Football magazine combined its traditional European accolade with FIFAs world player prize. Messi won the inaugural prize in 2011 but was beaten by Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta last year. It is the third consecutive year that Messi and Ronaldo have been on the shortlist. ' ' '