Poland and Ukraine to host Euro 2012

Poland and Ukraine have been chosen to co-host the European Championship football tournament in 2012, UEFA announced on Wednesday. European football's governing body said it had selected the two countries ahead of Italy and another joint bid from Croatia and Hungary to stage the finals.

The Poland and Ukraine bid received eight votes to Italy's four. "There are 85 million people now waiting for this big football event," Polish FA chairman Michal Listkiewicz said after UEFA president Michel Platini had revealed the winner. He also added, "The friendship between our nations has a very long history. This big tournament will be an important milestone in the history of our two Slavic nations." His comments were echoed by Ukrainian football federation president Hryhory Surkis who said it is a decisive day for the country. It will provide new opportunities for our country as it strives to integrate with Europe.

Croatia and Hungary got none. It is the first time either country has been chosen to host a major tournament. The European championship finals, held every four years, are second only to the World Cup in importance in the world of football. Greece are the current European champions after pulling off a surprise victory in Portugal in 2004.Austria and Switzerland are co-hosting Euro 2008.