The Sport Matrix: Friday 12 December 2014

Nasri pleased with European ‘miracle’

Samir Nasri feels it was a “miracle” that Manchester City managed to progress in Europe, but feels they can now impress. “For me, we have one of the best teams in the world. We just have to show it. I think when you go through, with all the difficulties we had, it’s a miracle. With two points after four games, and you still have a chance to qualify. But we did it and I think we can go as far as possible,” he said.

Johnson’s bouncer at Kohli is ‘positive’

Mitchell Johnson’s bouncer which struck India captain Virat Kohli on the helmet during the first Test yesterday may help players get past the shock of Phillip Hughes’ death, according to Australia spinner Nathan Lyon. “It probably has been a positive thing as well, as bad as that sounds,” said Lyon of the incident. “We know the helmets work and... have that confidence for our quicks to have a bouncer again.”

Button retained to race with Alonso

Jenson Button will stay in Formula One after McLaren chose to retain the 34-year-old alongside the returning Fernando Alonso. The decision means McLaren will have one of the strongest driver line-ups for next year and the team can focus fully on its revived alliance with Honda. Button is supremely fit, as his triathlons attest, and knows how to develop engines – which will be crucial in testing for Honda.

Reid loses out on award to woodchopper

Winston Reid, the West Ham defender, may be one of the most impressive performers in the world’s highest-profile league, but it was not enough to land him an award in his native New Zealand.

New Zealand captain Reid, whose side are fourth in the Premier League, has lost out on landing the Maori Sportsman of the Year – to a world champion woodchopper.

The axeman, Jason Wynyard, also claimed the Maori Sportsperson of 2014, jointly with his son Tai, a basketball player for the New Zealand national team.

The award ceremony was staged last month, but broadcast on New Zealand television last night.

McGinley reveals his art of captaincy

Paul McGinley has revealed how he captained Europe to Ryder Cup glory this year. “I made it my business to get to know the players, I don’t just mean as golfers,” said McGinley. “I was much more interested in getting to know them as human beings, as people.”