The Sports Matrix: Monday 30 July 2012

Armitstead wins first GB medal with silver in road race

Lizzie Armitstead recorded Great Britain's first medal of the Games, winning silver in the women's road race behind Marianne Vos yesterday. Russian Olga Zabelinskaya finished third at a soaked Mall after instigating a late breakaway, but was eventually overhauled by Armitstead and Vos.

"I'm so glad I committed to that break," the 23-year-old Yorkshire rider said. "I was umming and aahing but I'm really happy I went with it. I should've jumped earlier in the sprint, but never mind.

"Vos was always the one to watch so I was following her around. We both got in an early break, but I thought it was too early so I waited."

British cycling performance director David Brailsford was quick to praise Armitstead's efforts. "Lizzie rode the perfect race but she didn't quite," he said.

Nicole Cooke, above, winner in Beijing four years ago, could only finish 31st, while fellow Brit Emma Pooley ended up 40th and last. MORE

Spofforth and Tancock in hunt

Gemma Spofforth and Liam Tancock aim to win more medals for GB tonight after qualifying from last night's semi-finals. Tancock competes in the 100m backstroke, while world-record holder Spofforth swims in the women's event of the same distance. MORE

Foot injury wrecks Radcliffe's dream

Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn from the marathon after failing to overcome a foot injury. "I have been through the mill emotionally and physically in the past three weeks," said Radcliffe, who also suffered major disappointment in the 2004 and 2008 Games. MORE

Team GB recover to top the group

Stuart Pearce's men's football side moved to the top of Group A after beating the United Arab Emirates 3-1 at Wembley. Rashed Eisa equalised Ryan Giggs' opener, before Scott Sinclair and Daniel Sturridge secured the points for the hosts.

Adlington forced to settle for bronze

Rebecca Adlington was unable to defend her 400m freestyle crown last night, finishing third at the Aquatics Centre. French swimmer Camille Muffat took gold with a new Olympic record, while Allison Schmitt of America took silver ahead of Adlington.

Taylor to debut as Bopara pulls out

Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor could make his Test debut when England face South Africa in this week's second Test. The squad was amended when the recently recalled Ravi Bopara withdrew for personal reasons.

Tweddle inspires GB in medal hunt

Beth Tweddle was in fine form for Team GB in the gymnastics, producing a breathtaking uneven bars routine before helping the women surge into the team final. The men's side had earlier reached their final the previous day. MORE

Hockey winner in thumping victory

Alex Danson scored twice as Great Britain's women hockey team began their campaign with a 4-0 win over Japan. Sarah Thomas and Sally Walton also scored. Their male counterparts kick-off against Argentina tonight. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

There were not many corporate suites when Mark Cavendish battled for his first Olympic medal. But there was evidence of the desire of ordinary people to be involved in the drama. MORE

Now we can catch up, says Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton believes the drivers' championship is "all to play for" after he won the Hungarian GP. "If we can continue this kind of performance we can catch up," said Hamilton, fourth in the standings. MORE