However, the Inter number nine missed a glorious opportunity to add to his tally of 18 Champions League goals just after the half-hour mark.

BBC: Diego Milito

Ennis came up just 45 points shy of the magical 7, 000 mark for the seven events, which was the fifth best tally in heptathlon history.

CNN: Golden girl Ennis: I'd do it for nothing

And he reached exactly the same tally - 109 - last season, just one of three jockeys to pass the century mark.

BBC: Dobbin is one of the unsung heroes of the jumping game.

The striker almost doubled his tally with a glancing header that flew wide, but Robinho sealed victory just before the hour mark with his precise finish after the impressive Ramires finished a surging run with a accurate pass.

BBC: Brazil 3-0 Chile

For Warrington-born Rickard, however, the year was also hugely significant as she bettered the 103-cap mark set by ex-Wales captain Gareth Thomas in the men's game, whose tally included three British and Irish Lions appearances.

BBC: Profile: Louise Rickard