So the interim one becomes a special one. Not THE special one, perhaps, but certainly A special one. Branislav Ivanovic's header in added time earned Chelsea a rousing 2-1 win over a technically superior, but profligate Benfica in last night's breathless Europa League final. Perhaps more poignantly, it ensured their temporary - and probably outgoing - head coach Rafael Benitez of a unique place in the club's folklore.

Slovakia defeated the United States 4-1 and the Czech Republic routed Norway 7-0 in group finales for both teams to reach the quarterfinals at the ice hockey world championship on Tuesday. The U.S. had a chance to clinch the group, but finish third and will meet Russia in the quarterfinals on Thursday. In Stockholm, the other group leader, Switzerland, defeated Belarus 4-1 to achieve its best group record at the worlds, seven wins and no losses and most points (20). The Swiss hope to win a medal for the first time since 1953, when they were third among three teams.

England begin a cycle of international cricket today which may make or break careers. By its end some people may be on their bike. The immediate task at hand is to defeat New Zealand and to do that they must avoid at all costs thinking of the challenges beyond. It is likely that the A-word has been banned in England's dressing room. The Ashes, home and away later this year in case anybody had forgotten, will have to take care of themselves.

It is almost two years since Rio Ferdinand last kicked a football for England, but there is still a sense of regret over the announcement today of his retirement from the international game. Inevitably the questioning as to why a generation that included Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard achieved so little for their country will restart.

Lithuania's Ramunas Navardauskas restored some pride to the Garmin-Sharp squad of faltering defending champion Ryder Hesjedal with a strong solo win in stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia. Navardauskas dropped fellow escapee Daniel Oss (BMC) on the second of two climbs with 5km remaining of the 182km stage from Tarvisio to Vajont to set up the biggest win of his career.