Net gains: Balotelli scored a brace in the 2-1 semi-final victory over Germany

He is playing his part and his goals against Germany took his country through to the final, but it was the maturity and selflessness of his performance that stood out, chasing back after the ball and supporting his team.

It is the first time I can remember him operating as a team player, rather than as an individual with that 'Why always me?' rubbish.

I'm told that after the England game he was having a mandatory drugs test and was boasting that he would leave his mark on the tournament, get to the final and score.

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