Plane cheek: Bild give Italian 'team' early boarding passes

THE EURO ZONE  A SOCCER MISCELLANY

There can’t, surely, be a naughtier newspaper than Germany’s Bild, but it’s difficult not to chuckle at some of their misbehaviour. Like this exclusive preview from yesterday showing Italy’s formation for last night’s quarter-final.

Goran loves Mario: Balotelli get’s Ivanisevic’s approval

“I like him, he’s crazier than me! He is someone who can damage himself, the team and his opponents. He can score a winning goal and then set fire to the hotel. I don’t understand the public who call for more rebels in sport and then jeer the moment anyone breaks their racquet.”

– The tennis legend that is Goran Ivanisevic doffs his cap to Mario Balotelli.

I had the idea but I didn’t decide to do it until I was starting my run up. You think about the situation and what could happen. I thought dinking it was the best way to beat the goalkeeper because I could see clearly that he was going to the side.

– Spain’s Sergio Ramos on his chipped penalty in the shoot-out against Portugal

Mane Man

As you know, there are a few prestigious individual gongs up for grabs at Euro 2012, eg outstanding player, leading goalscorer and such like, but there’s none more coveted than hair-do of the tournament. There have been plenty of contenders, but Greece’s Georgios Samaras is the victor. You dread to think what he spends on hair gel, though.