The World Cup final Sunday drew the fourth-best rating for a title match in the event on English-language American television, but because of the ever-increasing population was the most-watched men's soccer game in U.S. history. According to The Nielsen Co., 8.1 percent of American homes with a TV tuned in as Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0. (St. Louis was 14 percent below the national average, with a 7.0 rating to rank 33rd, as soccer coverage went head-to-head with a Cardinals telecast.) The top Cup title-game rating was 9.5 for Italy vs. Brazil in 1994. Meanwhile, Nielsen said 15.54 million people saw ABC's coverage Sunday. The previous high was 14.86 million on June 26 when the U. S. lost to Ghana. Also, 8.8 million saw the Spanish version Sunday on Univision, making the U.S. total 24.3 million. St. Louis tied for 34th nationally in ratings on English-language outlets for the entire tourney. (Dan Caesar)

Coryell is remembered — An emotional John Madden, speaking at a memorial service in San Diego for Don Coryell, said there's something missing because Coryell isn't in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "I'm sitting down there in front, and next to me is Joe Gibbs, and next to him is Dan Fouts, and the three of us are in the Hall of Fame because of Don Coryell," Madden said, pausing to compose himself. "There's something missing." Coryell, who guided the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1970s and whose offense in San Diego later produced some of the most dynamic passing attacks in NFL history, died July 1 at age 85. Others attending included Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow (East St. Louis High, University of Missouri), a key player during the Chargers' ''Air Coryell'' years. (AP)

NBA roundup — The Timberwolves and Heat completed a trade that sends forward Michael Beasley to Minnesota for two second-round picks and cash considerations. The Heat made the move to clear salary-cap room to re-sign Dwyane Wade and bring in Chris Bosh and LeBron James. The trade also helped Miami sign forward Udonis Haslem on Monday. Also, the Timberwolves re-signed center Darko Milicic, who was with them for 24 games last season, and agreed to a deal with center Nikola Pekovic, who has been playing in Greece. ... Free-agent point guard Derek Fisher, who had been courted by the Heat and several other teams, said he'll re-sign with the defending champion Lakers. ... The Magic reportedly agreed to a deal with free-agent guard-forward Quentin Richardson. (AP)

NHL roundup — The Blackhawks, who have lost seven players since winning the Stanley Cup a month ago, said they'll match the four-year, $14 million offer sheet defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. signed with San Jose, thus retaining a player who made $660,000 last season when he scored two goals and had 15 assists. ... The Ducks signed forward Josh Green, who played last season in the Swedish Elite League. Green, 32, has played for eight NHL teams. (AP)

Lindenwood, McKendree move to Division II — Lindenwood and McKendree universities are moving from the NAIA to NCAA Division II, the schools announced. The move will not start until 2012-13, which will be a provisional year in the NCAA. Lindenwood plans to have 26 sports when it moves. McKendree currently has 20 programs. Lindenwood will apply for conference membership in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, which is expanding to 16 teams. McKendree did not indicate which conference it would try to join. (Staff report)

Howell's Graves plans to go to MU — Francis Howell senior-to-be Brett Graves committed to play baseball at the University of Missouri. Graves, recently named as shortstop on the Post-Dispatch All-Metro second team, hit .477 with 52 hits, 40 runs, 26 RBIs and 19 steals. On the mound, the 6-foot-1, 170-pounder was 4-1 and had a 1.76 ERA. In 47 2/3 innings, he struck out 48 and walked 17. He also is a standout quarterback on Howell's football team. (Joe Lyons)

Elsewhere — The World Series of Poker's main event resumed in Las Vegas, and defending champion Joe Cada and 2003 winner Chris Moneymaker were eliminated as the starting field of 7,319 was whittled to less than 1,500. Other pros ousted included Daniel Negreanu, Erik Seidel, David Williams, Vanessa Rousso and Paul Wasicka. St. Louisan Dennis Phillips, who had top-45 finishes the past two years, was ousted over the weekend. Play continues through Saturday, when the nine finalists who will compete in November for the $8.9 million top prize will be determined. ... Serena Williams won't play her World TeamTennis schedule for Washington after cutting a foot last week and receiving stitches. She wasn't scheduled to face the Aces. ... Sprinter Usain Bolt won't compete next month at a meet in London because he said British tax laws would cause him to lose money if he competes. (AP)