Shortly afterwards, Wasps full-back Mark Van Gisbergen missed a straightforward penalty and it looked as if the European Champions were going to suffer a defeat to their Welsh opponents.

BBC: Dragons 3-3 Wasps

For England to suffer a shock defeat, Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni believes his team-mates have to take the attack to the hosts.

BBC: Six Nations: Italy's Canavosio to miss England match

An election for the upper house of the Diet (parliament) is due in July, and the governing coalition, led by Mr Mori's Liberal Democrats, looks destined to suffer a heavy defeat, losing the majority in that chamber which is crucial if it is to get its legislation on to the statute books.

ECONOMIST: Why Japan��s Mori must go

Ponting's team lost the final Test at The Oval on Sunday to suffer a 2-1 series defeat.

BBC: Ponting determined to bounce back

But just as the sleaze that racked the last Tory government only amplified the defeat they were already due to suffer in 1997, so this scandal only reinforces the likely outcome of the next election: a loss for Labour, and grudging approval for the Tories.

ECONOMIST: Political expenses scandal

The Council's viewpoint was supported by the conservative group, whose budget spokesman Lajos Bokros said the European Parliament would suffer a "humiliating defeat in negotiations" if it continued to pursue its proposed increase.

BBC: MEPs insist on above-inflation budget increase

Sales of new cars are likely to suffer from the travel restrictions imposed on China's population in order to defeat SARS, but the medium-term outlook for carmakers remains rosy.

ECONOMIST: On a roll

To those who think, or perhaps wish, that America will suffer an ignominious defeat in Afghanistan: pull up a chair, sit back and watch us avenge the loss of our countrymen.

BBC: The war on terror: A key turning point?