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The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 16 July 2014

 

Tuesday 15 July 2014 23:47 BST
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McGregor gives Deila winning start as Celtic manager

Callum McGregor gave new Celtic manager Ronny Deila a winning start last night, scoring late to give the Scottish side a 1-0 win away to KR Reykjavik in the first leg of the second qualifying round in the Champions League. The 21-year-old dribbled in from the right with six minutes left and his shot was deflected past Stefan Magnusson.

Deila, who succeeded Neil Lennon as manager last month, now prepares for the second leg, at Murrayfield next Tuesday – with Celtic’s Parkhead unavailable because it is staging the opening ceremony of the Commonwaelth Games next day.

Fraser Forster started in goal for Celtic after returning from England’s World Cup party in Brazil. Celtic enjoyed early possession and chances at the KR-Vollur stadium, but were frustrated by a deep-lying Reykjavik side. Kris Commons struck the crossbar with a powerful volley before being denied by Magnusson. English striker Gary Martin tested Forster from distance before Griffiths hit the crossbar. Teemu Pukki also hit the post shortly before McGregor’s goal.

Tiger confident of shock Open win

Tiger Woods remains confident of his chances of success at The Open, despite playing only two rounds since March. “Winning a major is never easy,” the former world No 1 said. “The goal is to trust my game, If I let my skills come out, I’ll give myself an opportunity.” MORE

McIlroy vows to beat Freaky Friday

Rory McIlroy is determined to overcome his second round problems as he bids for his third major. “I need to go out and pretend it’s Thursday again,” he said. “A few solid holes and get your round under way. Hopefully I can turn that second-round thing around.” MORE

Thomas: Tour has not got more risky

Geraint Thomas has dismissed claims this year’s Tour de France has involved more crashes. “Every year we’re like ‘God, there’s so many crashes’, but it’s the same every year,” the Team Sky rider said. “If we went back last year we’d see the same. The difference is they’ve been more high-profile.” MORE

Amla leads South Africa into new era

South Africa take to the field for the first Test against Sri Lanka today under the command of a full-time non-white captain for the first time. Hashim Amla will lead the side in Galle, needing to win both Tests to re-claim top spot in the ICC rankings. MORE

Germans feted at Berlin celebration

The German squad returned home as heroes yesterday, welcomed by half a million supporters as they paraded the World Cup through Berlin. Captain Philipp Lahm led the players and then a number of them danced before an ecstatic crowd. MORE

Khedira move on hold for Arsenal

Sami Khedira appears certain to leave Real Madrid, although the Spanish club’s lack of urgency, coupled would the player’s wage demands, could force Arsenal to wait before making a move. The German has just a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu. MORE

Farah doubles up for GB – for now

Mo Farah has been named in the 5,000m and 10,000m for Great Britain at the European Championships, although his plans could change. “It’s impossible for him to be 100 per cent sure,” performance director Neil Black said. MORE

Eatons excited over return to Britain

London 2012 decathlon winner Ashton Eaton says he and heptathlete wife Brianne are looking forward to returning to the scene of their triumph. “[We] shared life-changing experiences there,” he said. “It’s going to be good.” MORE

Anderson accused of abusing Jadeja

England were shocked last night after James Anderson was accused by India of a breach of ICC conduct during last week’s first Test at Trent Bridge. It is claimed the bowler pushed and abused Ravindra Jadeja. MORE

Ian Herbert

We drove off in search of the real Neymar and stumbled on the real Brazil. Santos, with its unfathomable lack of wealth, gave the richest welcome we had known in football. It was Brazil in microcosm. MORE

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