What's In A Name?

I don't think anyone who has been watching Euro 2008 would suggest it has not been a compelling tournament so far. I have not watched a boring match yet and I have seen most of them.

I have no reason to think that will change either given the drama that is unfolding as various teams, previously considered outsiders, kick favourites into touch.

But just in case you do find your mind starting to wander at a particular moment, you may want to give some thought to what some of the Euro 2008 player's names may tell you about those individuals.

For example you can't help wondering what sort of surgery this Russian player might have undergone.

Or wonder if one of Sweden's forwards is having an identity crisis, as opposed to this man who was clearly born for his job.

Can this Russian midfielder really be so confident he will always escape justice?

And did this man's worries about the price of blackboard materials cause him to lose his concentration?

I do wonder if this Austrian really does. And this is definitely someone not to follow into the loo. Probably not him either.

Some of course need no further introduction.

You probably should not put your trust in this man to avoid disappointment. And you might soon tire of this player.

And does Andrei really go to such lengths to remove his body hair from sensitive areas?

Ah - the mysteries of football.