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The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 25 June 2014

 

Tuesday 24 June 2014 23:55 BST
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Nadal win sets up Rosol rematch

World No 2 Rafael Nadal showed all his competitive spirit as he eventually overcame Martin Klizan, defeating the Slovak 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-3. Nadal meets Lukas Rosol in the second round, giving the Spaniard the chance for revenge after defeat to him at the same stage in 2012. MORE

Moeen’s England defiance denied

England just failed to pull off an amazing escape as Sri Lanka clinched the second Test to seal a 1-0 series win. England offered magnificent defiance as they tried to draw the Test, with Moeen Ali hitting a ton, but last man James Anderson was out to the penultimate ball. MORE

Murray faces rookie Rola

Andy Murray plays his second-round match today against Blaz Rola, ranked No 92 in the world and an unknown quantity. “He’s a big guy,” Murray said of the 23-year-old 6ft 4in tall Slovenian. “He takes chances. He goes for his shots.” MORE

Watson topples Tomljanovic

Heather Watson made light work of Croat Ajla Tomljanovic yesterday, taking 65 minutes to win 6-3, 6-2. The 22-year-old became the third Briton to reach the second round after Andy Murray and Naomi Broady won on Monday. MORE

Trott close to county return

Warwickshire’s innings loss to Yorkshire could prompt a Championship return for Jonathan Trott. Dougie Brown, Warwickshire director of cricket, said his call-up would be considered ahead of their next match against Nottinghamshire.

Williams’ injury a cause for concern

The parents of the Wales international centre Owen Williams have arrived in Singapore to be with their son after he suffered a neck injury. Williams was hurt while playing for Cardiff Blues in the World Club 10s tournament.

Nick Bollettieri

Radek Stepanek is one hell of a fierce competitor - he beat Andy Murray at Queen’s - but I can’t see him winning today against Novak Djokovic, one of the most complete players in history. MORE

Suarez faces Fifa biting ban as Uruguay beat Italy

Luis Suarez faces being thrown out of the World Cup if he is found to have bitten Giorgio Chiellini as Uruguay eliminated Italy to make their way into the knockout stages. Suarez walked to the team bus apparently laughing but refusing to say whether he had bitten the Juventus defender.

And having left the last World Cup amid controversy, handling the ball on the line to deny Ghana a place in the semi-finals, Suarez now faces being ejected from this tournament.

The incident happened in a match won by Diego Godin, who scored in the 81st minute, eliminating Italy, whose manager Cesare Prandelli then offered his resignation. MORE

England go home after goalless draw

England ended their poor campaign with a goalless draw with group winners Costa Rica. England manager Roy Hodgson expressed frustration, saying: “I thought we were really unlucky not to win this game. The whole back four was excellent. We restricted the team to almost no chances.” MORE

Argentina’s arrival ruffles Brazilians

Argentina cross the border into Brazil to face Nigeria today, with locals revealing the rivalry is as intense as ever. “They are a superior and boastful people,” said Adrian Boas, a Brazilian, of the Argentines. “Forgive the discourtesy but I believe that that is because there are English roots to their culture.” MORE

Switzerland seek win to progress

Switzerland hope to erase the frustration of 2010 and progress from the group with a win over Honduras today. Swiss hopes of reaching the last 16 four years ago were dashed as they were held by Honduras in their last group game. They face them again knowing a win may be enough to go through. MORE

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