French TV viewers find Euro a turn-off

France fans voted with their remote controls as they lost to Spain with a million less people watching on television than had tuned in for their group match against Sweden, seen by 12.2 million people. That was itself up on only 10.2 million who saw the opening game against England.

That game somewhat bizarrely attracted a million more viewers in Germany, admittedly a larger country with a more ingrained footballing culture.

Germans meanwhile have been watching avidly – 27.65 million saw them beat Denmark.

Viva Alonso - both of them

It’s Alonso-mania in Spain with Xabi scoring twice to beat the French and then Fernando winning the European Grand Prix.

Fernando became the first driver this season to win two races and he stands atop the driver rankings while Xabi celebrated his 100th appearance for his country in style as the reigning champions saw off the French.

With Spain once again at the forefront of European sport Fernando said: “I am feeling very proud to be Spanish at the moment.”

Pereira and Alba like ships passing in the night

Portugal defender Joao Pereira and Spanish counterpart Jordi Alba will be like two ships passing in the night as the countries prepare to face one another in the semi-finals.

Pereira has only recently joined Valencia - whereas Alba is at the same club but seemingly about to head for Barcelona.

“I am now with Valencia but he is in line for a move to Barcelona - which proves he is a great player,” said Pereira.

If the two likely won’t see much of each other in Valencia, they will come face to face on Wednesday with Pereira playing on the right and Alba on the left.