Sunderland suffered defeat at home but Celtic came from behind to win against Besiktas

Though actually none of the games I’m monitoring have started yet, with delays including the minute’s silence for Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife striker who died after an on-pitch collision at the weekend. “Perusing the Sparta Prague team sheet,” writes Peter Oh, “I can’t help but wonder, will the club from the Czech capital be able to stop the Cherries’ run of good form? Mbe Soh. Mbe Soh.”

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Scotland: Sebastien Pocognoli’s reign began with a 0-0 draw with Slovenia yesterday afternoon. It’s a decent first result for Steve Clarke’s successor and gives Scotland a platform to build on before games against Switzerland and North Macedonia in Group B1. Ewan Murray was there to watch …

Blue skies, a dainty stadium in Ljubljana and a second-half display that provided glimpses of optimism in respect of Scotland’s world, post-Steve Clarke. The best-forgotten first 45 minutes can be explained away by a squad operating under a new regime. By full time, Slovenia were grateful for their point. Scotland’s players took deserved applause.

Scotland’s failing here was a familiar one. A lack of goals haunted Clarke. Nonetheless, this version of Scotland did at least create a series of openings. Scott McTominay, a key attacking threat, was missing. Instilling ruthlessness in a team is no easy task; it is one, however, Pocognoli has the coaching credentials to meet. Slovenia, on this evidence, have the more significant challenges.

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The Australian netball team is in play, taking on Tonga, and leading 23-12 after the first quarter, the holders have been quick to hit form.

The Australian Cameron McEvoy, the reigning Olympic champion at 50m, finishes second in his heat, though second overall in terms of time, behind his heat-winner, Joshua Liendo. The top 16 go through to the semis.

The preparations for the semi-finals gathered at a pace, while Slaven Bilic is back in charge of Croatia

I mean, just look at him.

In which regard, here are some words on the great man.

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Our very own Jonny Weeks has been doing clever things with photos from across the World Cup.

Check them out!