Daniel Sturridge's Liverpool career seemed to be heading for a premature end last season but the striker showed on Tuesday he may yet have an important role after taking his chance during a rare start in the Champions League win over Paris St Germain.
Bitter defeat for Belgium in the World Cup semi-final is tempered by the fact that influential squad members will likely still be around in two years' time for the European Championship where they will have another realistic chance at a major title.
Having had their armour pierced for the first time this season leaders Manchester City face a big test of their resolve when Arsenal come gunning for them in the Premier League on Sunday.
France meet Belgium in a World Cup semi-final on Tuesday. Here is a look at some of the key head-to-head duels which could prove decisive.
'But he is someone I really appreciate, I'm happy for him.'
Images from the Champions League matches played across Europe on Tuesday.
Andy Murray has lost the world number two spot to Roger Federer in the latest ATP rankings released on Monday, after his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the Madrid Masters final.
Novak Djokovic's star still burns bright as he returns to Melbourne Park in search of a record seventh Australian Open title.
Even putting on socks and shoes caused him severe pain, the three time Grand Slam winner revealed.
Juventus missed a chance to extend their advantage over second-placed AS Roma when they played out a dismal 0-0 draw away to Udinese on Sunday, while Napoli closed in on Serie A's top two with a 2-1 win at Chievo.
The last 10 Slams have all been won by Djokovic, Federer or Nadal. Will this Wimbledon be different, asks Dhruv Munjal.
Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino scored either side of halftime to fire Brazil to a 2-1 win over Venezuela at the Copa America.
Tottenham Hotspur have signed Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor on a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Manchester City, the London club said on Thursday.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho played down the touchline confrontation that flared up between him and Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp near the end of Sunday's Premier League draw.
Tottenham Hotspur reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on away goals after a 4-3 (aggregate 4-4) defeat to Manchester City in a breathtaking quarter-final second leg game on Wednesday.
Manchester City have moved closer to signing Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri and are reportedly trying to finalize the deal in the next 24 hours.
Images from the football matches played across Europe on Sunday
Injured Lukaku likely to sit out
Juventus reached the halfway point of the Serie A season with a commanding five-point lead over Roma after thrashing Verona for the second time in four days on Sunday.
A stunning strike by Romelu Lukaku gave Inter Milan a 2-1 win at Brescia on Tuesday although they had to cling on for three points in the face of heavy pressure from the promoted side.
Sergio Aguero's description of his playing style would have been music to the ears of Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini on Thursday after the Argentina striker completed his move to the Premier League's big-spenders from Atletico Madrid.
The shutterbugs just couldn't stop clicking them.
Keeper Simon Mignolet proved the shootout hero as Liverpool reached the League Cup final on penalties after a gripping last-four second leg tie at Anfield ended 1-1 on aggregate on Tuesday.
Former champions Churchill Brothers outplayed Shillong Lajong FC 4-1 to set up a summit clash against Prayag United in the Durand Cup football tournament, in New Delhi, on Thursday.
Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals.
Manchester United and Chelsea secured places in the Champions League with wins on the final day of the Premier League season while Watford and Bournemouth were relegated along with bottom club Norwich City.
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