Viral Video of the Day: Mario Balotelli Chills out Before Euro 2012 Shootout

He makes bawdy jokes with corner flags.

His likeness appears in crop circles around Italy.

Referees book themselves for dissent when he's around.

He volunteers to take the first penalty kick in a pressure-packed shootout, even though he's the youngest player still on the field.

Mario Balotelli is the most interesting man in the world of Euro 2012.

The latest evidence provides the basis for the B/R Viral Video of the Day.

Above, you'll see Balotelli relaxing with fellow striker Antonio Cassano during a break in Italy's quarterfinal match against England. You might not know if from watching, but this video was shot right after extra time and right before the penalty shootout started.

Think Super Mario was a bit nervous to face his club teammate and England goalkeeper Joe Hart?

Not bloody likely!

As Dirty Tackle points out (via Reuters), Balotelli actually asked Cesare Prandelli if he could take the first penalty. Balotelli was the youngest player left in the match, but Prandelli obliged him anyway.

It worked out well enough, though when England are contesting a penalty shootout, their opponents might as well have a two-goal head start. Not that they'd need it.

Anyhow, well done to Super Mario, who apparently has ice in his veins. The rest of his stay at Euro 2012 can only be considered a good thing.

Clearly, however, he has no taste for athletic beverages.

Also, well done to B/R World Football Lead Writer Will Tidey, who pretty much predicted this exact incident (OK, not quite) back before the tournament started.

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