The cat is out of the bag.

The biggest shock so far in the Euro 2008 (well apart from yesterday’s Netherlands win over France) was Croatia’s win over Germany. And while many have sung praises about the players stamina, technique and Bilic’s coaching skills it might be that the reason is far simpler.

Bilic lets his players have conjugal visit by their wives and girlfriends.

Friends and friend-wannabes are banned but a visit from significant other is allowed as long as it is announced in advance and it does not interfere with players’ morning and afternoon training sessions.

This has been a matter of quite a debate as many coaches can’t decide whether it helps players stay focused or not. I’m sure many men would argue that yes it does indeed help. Then again English WAGs have caused such mayhem during the last Euro majority of them have been banned from the national squad games.

But interesting tidbit – during Euro 2006 Italian coach allowed conjugal visits and guess what? Italy won the bloody thing.

So I say if it ain’t broken…