The German national side has long since shed its reputation for grey efficiency on the pitch and the circus surrounding Joachim Löw’s squad as they count down to their opening game at Euro 2012 is proving to be just as colourful.

McDonald’s, the world’s largest restaurant chain, reported a 4.8% gain in first- quarter profit as new menu items such as Chicken McBites attracted US consumers.

US fast-food chain McDonald’s said its same-store sales climbed 4.3% in July, as it benefited from budget-conscious consumers and the promotion of new coffee drinks.

THEIR menus might raise questions about diet and nutrition, but there is no doubting the health of their finances.

The McDonalds restaurant giant has launched its first Irish McCafe in an effort to move into the gourmet coffee market in Ireland.