Euro diary: Everything is on fire; something smells fishy; will it be a whitewash?

June 20 – The chant bearing his name has gone viral on social media sites yet he doesn’t necessarily even start for Northern Ireland. Wigan striker Will Grigg has become a cult hero, bursting into the iTunes top 10 thanks to  ‘Will Grigg’s On Fire’, either the best or worst suppporters’ chant depending on your point of view but which has taken Euro 2016 by storm.  

“Will Grigg’s on fire – your defence is terrified!” goes the ditty which was created when Grigg scored a hatful of goals for his club but has now been adopted not only by Northern Ireland fans but those of other teams, changing his name to one of their own.

Will Embolo roar

But is it the best chant of the lot at Euros? That accolade should perhaps  go the Swiss fans  who belt out “Oh, Embolo” in reverence to their wonderkid Breel Embolo  to the chorus of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Bit whiffy Yogi?

Arguably the most embarrassing moment of the tournament so far for German coach Joachim Loew was when he was caught on camera reaching down the front and back of his trousers during Germany’s opening win over Ukraine and subsequently sniffing his hand.

“I saw the pictures as well and obviously sometimes you do things subconsciously. It happened and I am sorry,” said the World Cup-winning coach.  “It was adrenaline and concentration. I will try to behave differently in the future.”

Heading out the pool?

Courageous Croatian defender Vedran Corluka was bandaged up numerous times during his team’s first two games because of head wounds. On the last occasion, to reinforce himself against further damage, he wore a water polo hat, a sport in which the Croatians of course excel.

Lucky colour?

If colours of shirts were deciding, England and Poland would play in the Euro 2016 final. Alternatively, it could also be Germany and Slovakia. In this tournament’s qualification 25% of all goals were scored by only 4 teams, all playing in white shirts!

Andrew Warshaw is live and dangerous at the Euros in France. Contact him at moc.l1734929439labto1734929439ofdlr1734929439owedi1734929439sni@w1734929439ahsra1734929439w.wer1734929439dna1734929439