Unfortunately for Mr Voscherau his fate is linked to that of his party, which will be lucky to match the 40% it won in the previous state election in 1993.

ECONOMIST: Germany

Yesterday I played my friend Acasuso and I was a little bit lucky to save four match points.

BBC: Sanchez lands second title

"We were a bit lucky to win the match, even if the counter-attack for the winning goal was perfect, " he said.

BBC: Shane Long display impresses Republic boss Trapattoni

He was lucky to win that match at all, and he almost lost, letting a 5-0 lead drift to 5-4 before he nailed it, on the third throw, with a double 10.

ECONOMIST: Jocky Wilson, darts player, died on March 24th, aged 62

That way, European prices might be pushed down to match those paid by lucky American consumers.

ECONOMIST: When grey is good

Germany started the match as expected and the Italians were lucky to survive a couple of early wobbles by their goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

CNN: Balotelli double sends Italy through to Euro 2012 final

Morrison had been lucky to escape a red card earlier in the match after pushing Bolton's Nicky Hunt to the ground in the build-up to a Birmingham free-kick.

BBC: Birmingham City 1-2 Bolton

To win the Euromillions jackpot, Ms McNamara had to match five main numbers from 1 to 50 and 2 Lucky Star numbers from 1 to 9.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Lottery winner claims ?77m cheque