The Sport Matrix: Thursday 26 June 2014

Suarez’s Liverpool career hangs in the balance after bite

Luis Suarez’s career for club and country was in jeopardy last night as Fifa prepared its case against the disgraced striker following his latest biting incident.

The Uruguayan striker faces disciplinary action after his bite on Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay’s Group D game against Italy on Tuesday.

It is the third time he has bitten an opponent in recent years and Liverpool could be running out of patience with the striker who nearly guided them to the Premier League title last season.

Suarez’s lawyer, Alejandro Balbi, flew to Rio de Janeiro yesterday to prepare the player’s defence. MORE

Majestic Messi inspires Argentina

Lionel Messi struck twice as Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2, though both sides progressed to the next round. The forward fired in a lethal half-volley and, although Ahmed Musa quickly equalised, Messi struck a 25-yard free-kick. Musa levelled again but Argentina’s Marcos Rojo hit the winner. MORE

Iran’s dream ends with loss to Bosnia

Iran’s hopes of progressing from the group were dashed as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia. Iran needed a win but Edin Dzeko put Bosnia in front and Miralem Pjanic doubled their lead. Iran reduced the deficit through Reza Ghoochannejad’s goal but Avdija Vrsajevic ensured the victory for Bosnia. MORE

Klinsmann and Low in decider

Germany and the USA face each today knowing a draw will see them both progress, but Ghana and Portugal, the group’s other teams, can still qualify. US coach Jürgen Klinsmann and Germany manager Joachim Löw, friends since they met on a coaching course, go head to head in the deciding last group tie. MORE

Ruthless Murray powers past Rola

Andy Murray powered past Blaz Rola yesterday, winning 6-1, 6-1, 6-0 in his most emphatic win at Wimbledon. He now faces a third-round tie against the world No 23, Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who won the first title of his career – on grass – in the Netherlands last week. MORE

Moore misses her two shots at glory

British No 6 Tara Moore fell to an agonising first-round defeat by Russian Vera Zvonareva, losing 6-4, 6-7, 9-7. Moore, the 21-year-old from Doncaster, missed her chance at glory, twice serving for the match in the deciding set but failing to convert both times. MORE

England back ‘determined’ Cook

England are desperate for Alastair Cook to succeed as captain, with Cook resolute in continuing despite the loss to Sri Lanka. “He’s a very determined, steely bloke,” said coach Peter Moores. “He’s got a clear picture of what he wants.” MORE

Fletcher backs youthful India

India coach Duncan Fletcher has backed his youthful team ahead of the series against England. “There are some very exciting players in this group that will go on to be very good cricketers for India. They might fire from this series,” he said. MORE

Venus wins to set up Kvitova battle

Venus Williams overcame Japan’s Kurumi Nara 7-6, 6-1 to set up a tie against the sixth seed and 2011 Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova. Williams, 34, has been suffering for the past three years from the debilitating Sjogren’s syndrome. MORE

Williams nurses neck injury

Wales centre Owen Williams suffered “significant injury” to his neck during a tournament in Singapore and is recovering in hospital. He was playing for Cardiff Blues in the World Club 10s on Sunday. MORE

Nick Bollettieri

Rafael Nadal will be too strong for Lukas Rosol today. But his wham-bam Superman style will eventually take a toll. How long will his lower back cope with the stresses and strains of playing on grass? MORE