Speaking in tongues

Spain stars Gerard Pique and Fernando Llorente were surprised to learn that some locals don’t speak Polish in the region where they are based for Euro 2012.

Their headquarters of Gniewino is based in Kaszubia, where several thousand people speak the dialect of Kashubian, a West Slavic language.

Asked by a journalist if they were aware of this Pique said: “I wasn’t aware. But that’s good to know.”

Dutch are happy campers

Several hundred supporters of the Netherlands are enjoying camping out at Euro 2012. They have descended on the Oranjecamping temporary site at Kharkiv, keeping alive a tradition from recent tournaments.

They are just a few kilometres from the stadium of Metalist Kharkiv by the city’s River Kharkiv. Around 900 Dutch fans are expected to cheer the side on Saturday against Denmark.

Time flies by for dedicated Russian fans

Russian fans showed their dedication as several hundred arrived at Wroclaw after a long train trip to see their opening game against the Czech Republic. Some troubadour supporters had white, blue and red guitars slung over their shoulders while one, Igor Muzychenko, told reporters his trip had lasted some 36 hours.

“I left St Petersburg Wednesday night headed for Moscow and here we are - the trip flew by, given the party atmosphere on board.

“We are here to support our team - who are going to win the euros!”

Spanish spare a thought for home

Spain are sparing a thought for compatriots watching at home and hoping for some light relief from a crisis and their fragile position in the Eurozone.

Unemployment is hovering around 25 percent in Spain and defender Gerard Pique said the squad felt a duty to bring some footballing cheer.

“We know what state the country is in. I ask them (fans) to have confidence in us - we won’t let them down,” the Barcelona star promised.