A soccer miscellany compiled by MARY HANNIGAN

Ready for battle: Polish newspaper draws on history to inspire Polish warriors

BACK in 2008 Polish tabloid Super Express warmed up for the European Championship clash of Poland and Germany with a mocked up photo showing their then coach Leo Beenhakker holding the severed heads of Michael Ballack and German team coach Joachim Low, under the heading Bring us their heads.

At least they toned it down a bit for last night’s meeting with Russia, only showing coach Franciszek Smuda and players Robert Lewandowski Przemyslaw Tyton charging in to battle on horseback, armed with rather sharp looking sword-type things.

In 1920,” they wrote, “the Russians seemed to crush the Polish army from the land and continue their march to the west.

“Then there was, however, the Miracle at the Vistula and the eternal enemy was routed.

Now, before the big football battle, the Russians are confident again, and we again we hope for a miracle.”

Only a game? Huh.

Off the charts: Italy's De Rossi is like a GPS

We didnt show the courage we were supposed to. Only five or six players did . . . We were cowards in the first half and should have done more. Im not happy with the team." – Swedish coach Erik Hamren looking on the bright side after Monday's 2-1 defeat by Ukraine.

Queers in the national team? Thats their business. But I hope not. – Italy's delightfully broadminded Antonio Cassano on being asked if there were any gay players in the Italian squad.

Against Spain he was incredible, Daniele is one of those players who you do not need to say many things to. Hes like a GPS, you set the instructions and he knows what to do. – Luciano Spalletti, now coach of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, praising Daniele De Rossi for giving Italy direction against Spain.

"England wanted the point and they got one, but is this the way to play football in the future? I'm not sure. If you're parking three buses in front of the goal, that's not football." – Michael Ballack, not quite tingling after watching England's display against the French.

No head games: For Sneijder

SPORTS psychology is, of course, all the rage this weather, and some have suggested the Dutch camp is in need of a session or two after their defeat to Sweden and before today’s ding-dong with Germany.

How enthusiastic is Wesley Sneijder about the prospect?

“Don’t even consider bothering me with that. If he is talking for two hours, I’ll be sleeping for two hours. That’s when I can take my rests. If players have problems, they should talk them out with each other. If that doesn’t help, then a psychologist won’t help either.”

That’s a ‘no thanks’, then.

Locked: Lost in translation

NOT knowing the lingo can lead to mishaps, like the one that befell an Irish supporter in a Poznan eaterie.

“He nipped for a quick visit to the loo,” reported the Scottish Sun. “The sign read: ‘Prosiny o nie zanpmykanie dzwi od toalety,’ which translates as: DON’T LOCK THE TOILET DOOR.

“A good hour the boy was in there before someone heard his screams and let him out.”