News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Australia retained the men's hockey World Cup crown after outplaying Olympic silver medallists The Netherlands 6-1 in the final at the Kyocera Stadium in The Hague on Sunday. Chris Cirielo's three penalty-corner conversions was the feature of the contest that saw Australia retain the trophy they won in New Delhi in 2010.
Ajax Amsterdam registered a 4-1 win at De Graafschap, their first title since 2014 and a record-extending 34th overall completed the double after they won the KNVB Cup earlier this month.
Rediff.com brings you the top highlights of the soccer weekend.
Clubbed in a veritable group of death for next year's World Cup, Australia believe they can spring a surprise while fellow Asian qualifiers Japan, South Korea and Iran were more cautious with their optimism despite being dealt kinder draws.
Real Madrid were the big winners in Spain as their success at Almeria was followed by a Barcelona draw and a surprise Atletico Madrid defeat.
Cristiano Ronaldo bagged his first five-goal haul in Real Madrid's 9-1 hammering of Granada while title-chasing Bayern Munich and Chelsea won again in Germany and England.
La Liga leaders Real Madrid were thumped 4-0 away by city rivals Atletico Madrid to open up the Spanish title race, while Chelsea strengthened their hold on top spot in the English Premier League after a 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
Check out the main contenders for this year's Tour de France, which starts on Saturday in Utrecht, Netherlands.
A summary of the results of the football matches played across Europe on Sunday
