Tantalising precursor to South African World Cup

FIVE-TIME European champion Liverpool and la Vecchia Signora - Juventus of Italy - were the big-name casualties of what was a refreshingly unpredictable Champions League group stage, and the only certainty in the knockout stages early next year will be more damaged reputations, with an enticing mix of ties in the round of 16 announced on Friday.

Drug case on eve of Valverde visit

CONTROVERSIAL Spanish cycling star Alejandro Valverde is a confirmed entrant in next year's Tour Down Under, but he will compete in Australia a matter of days after a major doping-related case involving him is heard by sport's international Court of Arbitration.