Vasylkov and Sydorenko forge EURO friendship

The hosts of Ukraine's favourite football television show, Tretiy Taim (The Third Half), have been unveiled as the country's latest Friends of UEFA EURO 2012.

Mykola Vasylkov and Olexandr 'Fozzi' Sydorenko, whose programme airs on ICTV, were bestowed with the honour on the show by Ukrainian tournament director Markiyan Lubkivskiy.

Lubkivskiy said the recognition for Vasylkov – who also presents Inshyi Futbol (The Other Football) − was long overdue, because he is a friend of Ukrainian football and someone who bridges the gap between players and fans.

Aside from TV broadcasting, 'Fozzi' is also a member of Ukraine's most successful hip-hop group, TNMK. His musical career extended into football when he wrote the Ukrainian terrace favourite Viva Ukraine. An instant hit, the song is often used to whip up fans ahead of national team matches. A Kharkiv regional champion in his youth, Sydorenko plays for celebrity football side FC Maestro.