The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 1 July 2014

Suarez says sorry for bite to smooth Barcelona move

Luis Suarez finally issued an apology yesterday for biting Giorgio Chiellini six days after the event, in what is regarded as a move to clear the way for his transfer to Barcelona.

The Liverpool striker’s public statement included a promise never to bite another opponent again.

Suarez, banned for nine competitive international games and from all football for the next four months, is still likely to appeal elements of the ban and Chiellini tweeted he hoped Fifa would now reduce his punishment.

Liverpool had no involvement in Suarez’s apology. It is understood he also acted independently of the Uruguay Football Federation (AUF). MORE

France overcome defiant Nigeria

France left it late to beat Nigeria 2-0. Paul Pogba’s 79th minute header put them ahead before Joseph Yobo’s last-minute own goal. It seemed harsh on defiant Nigeria, as Olivier Giroud was alleged to have elbowed John Obi Mikel and Blaise Matuidi could have been sent off for a tackle on Ogenyi Onazi. MORE

Sabella is satisfied ahead of Swiss test

Alejandro Sabella says his Argentina side are growing into the tournament, ahead of today’s last-16 tie with Switzerland. After saying some of their earlier displays were no better than “six out of 10”, Sabella said: “We’re improving and, in my opinion, the last match would deserve a seven.” MORE

Wilmots: We can raise our game

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots conceded his team can improve, despite winning their three previous matches to top Group H.

“We can increase it one notch more but we are on schedule,” said Wilmots ahead of tonight’s round-of-16 tie with Jürgen Klinsmann’s US side at the Arena Fonte Nova.

Murray triumphs as Wawrinka protests

Andy Murray reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals after beating Kevin Anderson 6-4 6-3 7-6. But Stanislas Wawrinka hit out at the scheduling after winning a delayed third-round tie. “They don’t listen to the player,” he said. “They just do what is good for them.” MORE

Bouchard’s star rises with victory

Rising star Eugenie Bouchard eased into the quarter-finals with a 7-6 7-5 win over Alizé Cornet, who knocked out Serena Williams. “I’m proud I really fought until the end,” said Bouchard, 20. Sabine Lisicki, meanwhile, beat Ana Ivanovic in their third-round tie. MORE

Trott makes steady county comeback

Jonathan Trott returned to action yesterday for Warwickshire in their Division One fixture against Nottinghamshire. The troubled batsman came through it encouragingly well, considering he was up against the Peter Siddle, as he made 23. MORE

Millar and Dowsett miss out on Tour

Two more British riders have joined Sir Bradley Wiggins in missing out on the Tour de France. Garmin-Sharp have not picked David Millar for his 13th and last Tour before retirement, while Movistar’s Alex Dowsett has been ruled out with illness.

Hull City sign Snodgrass

Hull City have signed forward Robert Snodgrass from Norwich for £7m. Hull are also reported to be close to signing forward Tom Ince, for a fee that will be determined by a tribunal if no price can be agreed with his former club Blackpool. MORE

Lee leaves after poor World Cup

England women’s coach Jason Lee has left his role less than a month before the Commonweath Games after their worst finish in a World Cup, coming 11th. Performance director Danny Kerry will take over in Glasgow.

Nick Bollettieri

Nick Kyrgios has weapons, a big serve and a big forehand from a powerful guy who is 6ft 4in. He has guts too but I’m not sure the kid has the footwork yet to deal with Rafael Nadal today. MORE