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The Sport Matrix: Thursday 4 September 2014

 

Wednesday 03 September 2014 22:41 BST
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Argentina beat champs Germany

Argentina defeated world champions Germany 4-2 in a friendly last night. The sides met for the first time since the World Cup final in Brazil last July and Argentina dominated the game, going 4-0 ahead through goals from Sergio Aguero, Erik Lamela, Federico Fernandez and Angel Di Maria. Germany, however, reduced the deficit with goals from André Schürrle and Mario Götze.

North ready to impose himself

Wales and Northampton wing George North is determined to impose himself more than ever this season. “This is the year that things are going to change,” he said, ahead of Saints’ first game tomorrow, against Gloucester. “It is my time to start taking [on] the role of a senior player.”

Spain face France with fresh outlook

Spain face France in a friendly tonight as Vicente del Bosque begins to prepare his side for their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. His task is to gel young players into the team, after Xabi Alonso, Xavi and David Villa retired from international football.

Bell’s injury adds to England’s woes

Alastair Cook is under increasing pressure as England’s ODI captain as the side look to restore some pride when they face India in the fifth ODI tomorrow. To add to England’s problems, Ian Bell was yesterday ruled out of the game with a small fracture to his left big toe.

Bold Wozniacki back in form

Caroline Wozniacki has refound her form, with victory over Sara Errani at the US Open sending her through to her first Grand Slam semi-final for three years. Victory tomorrow over the unseeded Peng Shuai would take the world No 11 into only her second Grand Slam final.

McGinley calls up further assistance

Paul McGinley, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, has named Padraig Harrington, Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez (right) as his remaining vice-captains. Des Smyth and Sam Torrance have already been appointed vice-captains. “I know it’s been common in the past to have three or four vice-captains but I’ve gone for five because I feel an extra person is justified due to the additional workload which comes from being the home team,” McGinley said.

Quintana pulls out after second crash

The pre-race favourite Nairo Quintana pulled out of the Tour of Spain yesterday after the Colombian rider crashed for the second successive day. Quintana, who won the Giro d’Italia earlier in the season, had been leading the Vuelta. Astana’s Fabio Aru won the 11th stage.

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