Anthem error helps Croatia soccer win

LONDON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- A British singer's mispronunciation of the Croatian national anthem -- he sang "my penis is a mountain" -- may have helped Croatia top England in a soccer game.

London-born opera singer Tony Henry Wednesday at the Wembley stadium in London mispronounced the Croatian words and sang "my penis is a mountain," instead of the proper translation "we love your mountains," Britain's Telegraph said Friday.

As Henry sang the anthem, some Croatian players smiled when they heard the wrong pronunciation.

Croatian fan Web sites claimed the mistake relaxed their team, leading it to the 3-2 victory over England.

The fans said apart from the medal, Henry should become the Croatian team's official mascot for the Euro 2008 soccer championships, the Telegraph said.

Croatia's 3-2 win Wednesday eliminated England from the Euro 2008 tournament and cost English Coach Steve McClaren his job.