Keeper’s hesitance to wear shirt more than once causes a kerfuffle

Now for a slightly bizarre story from today’s edition of the Spanish newspaper Marca (who were, incidentally, the media ringleaders when Real Madrid started sniffing around Ronaldo).

Apparently, Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas has only taken three jerseys to Austria/ Switzerland - one for each match of the group stage. If his side reach the quarterfinals, new shirts will need to be sent to him from his homeland, but the current Spanish transport strike would make this impossible. Hence, Marca are suggesting that the indefinite strike - which has been called over soaring fuel prices - will affect Spanish team selection if it continues past June 21 (the date of Spain’s first potential quarter-final match).

Quite why they couldn’t (a) fly the shirt over or (b) go and buy one from any sporting goods store in Austria/ Switzerland or (c) put one of his qualification stage jerseys in the wash, remains a mystery.

[Marca]

NBA forward unnecessarily thrilled about receiving free garment

American netball fans are currently engrossed in the NBA Finals, where Kevin Garnett’s Boston Celtics are attempting to throw more balls into some small elevated hoops than the LA Lakers. As a reward for his outstanding defensive performances this season, Garnett was treated to a personalised shirt courtesy of Europe’s second most successful team.

Even though it’s a small gesture for a well paid sportsman, it’s great to see Garnett react with childlike excitement. It’s probably the same bounding enthusiasm that Jermain Defoe expresses when he bursts open the doors of Chinawhite to see a gaggle of scantily-clad Big Brother rejects. Bless.

[Thanks to the dreamboats at Pies for the find]

Obtain instant ball skills and a transvestite hooker addiction with this brilliant name generator

Due to a lack of coordination and a general preference for showering alone, I never made it as a professional footballer. So here’s the next best thing. Some genius has created a Brazilian shirt generator - simply stick in your name and a number, and you’ll have the perfect nickname for use by peers, family and co-workers. “Ryildo, your mum is on the phone again,” is already a popular catchphrase in this office.

It’s also acceptable to pass the time by imagining the crazy names England stars would go by if they played in yellow - John Terry is ‘Teca’ and Wayne Rooney is ‘Wayniano’.

Click here to get started.