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Euro stars

HENRIK LARSSON

Born: September 20, 1971

Sun: Virgo

Moon: Libra

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Mars: Aquarius

In 1998, a statistical analysis of the birthdates of all 4,162 footballers who played in the German league over a 30-year period showed that a disproportionate number were born with the Sun in Libra and Virgo (more than 30 per cent higher than expected). Virgo and Libra are often emphasised in footballers’ charts, not just as the Sun sign. Virgo, sign of craft and craftiness, favours analytical prowess, skilful manipulation and the desire to serve. Libra’s forte is co-operation and balance, encompassing the elegance of a ballerina, mind of a chess player and strategic nous of a general — all of which Larsson possesses in plenty. At present, pressures centre on decisions about home and values. Much bigger changes are due around 2007.

Jane Ridder-Patrick is author of The Zodiac Code Series (Mainstream Publishing £4.99). www.mainstreampublishing.com

WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING

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HYUNDAI is winning the sponsors’ battle to get the greatest global exposure during Euro 2004. The Japanese car manufacturer has been getting more airtime than any of the other seven main sponsors of the tournament. Kevin Alavy, of Initiative, the international media agency, said yesterday that Hyundai had also benefited from having clear branding, with a light colour on a dark background. He said: “This has helped to maximise exposure in the bright conditions.”

In a joint survey conducted with Margaux Matrix, the brand exposure analysis company, Initiative has calculated the amount of exposure enjoyed by the eight sponsors and the number of seconds have been weighted according to the viewing figures for each match.

JOHN GOODBODY

The rankings, with above (+) or below (-) average exposure, are:

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1, Hyundai +32 per cent; 2, MasterCard +20 per cent; 3, Carlsberg +3 per cent; 4, JVC -7 per cent; 5, Canon -9 per cent; 6, Coca-Cola -10 per cent; 7, McDonald’s -11 per cent; 8, T-Mobile -16 per cent.

SEEN AND HEARD

AN 85-YEAR-OLD farmer says that Sweden’s 5-0 defeat of Bulgaria at Euro 2004 saved his life after he went missing in the remote far north. Soren Gellerstedt, who survived four days without food, said that he owed his survival to the boost he got from listening to radio commentary on Monday’s victory. His car got stuck on Friday on a quiet road in woods outside the town of Jokkmokk and he wasn’t found until Tuesday.

The president of the Portuguese Football Federation skipped Wednesday’s crucial group A game between Portugal and Russia. But Gilberto Madail isn’t short on passionate support for his national team. In fact, he has too much, and doctors recommended that he stay away for health reasons.