Full speed ahead for UEFA EURO 2012

At a media conference in Warsaw staged to mark one year to go until the start of UEFA EURO 2012, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino expressed his confidence in Poland and Ukraine's ability to host a successful tournament.

"Of course there are still many things to do," said Mr Infantino. "There is a delay in the construction of two stadiums in Poland, but we are absolutely sure the tournament will be organised well. There is no doubt Poland and Ukraine will be ready to organise UEFA EURO 2012 well."

UEFA Executive Committee member František Laurinec, UEFA Events SA chief executive David Taylor and Polish UEFA EURO 2012 ambassador Zbigniew Boniek were among the guests at the event, where Polish Football Federation (PZPN) president Grzegorz Lato said: "I realise how very important security is. Every guest who comes to Poland for the tournament must feel 100% safe. That is the only way this event can be a success for the country."

Adam Giersz, Poland's minister for sport and tourism, is convinced the finals will have enormous benefits for his country. "It is not only the sporting aspect that is important for us," he explained. "This event will help in the development of the whole country. That is a very important motivation for us, as well as having good relations with our neighbours in Ukraine."

The press conference was a significant stop on a media tour that is giving 50 reporters from across Europe the chance to see the EURO preparations at close hand. Warsaw's deputy mayor Jacek Wojciechowicz is certain the world's media will like what they see of his city. "Our guests will have reasons for optimism after this visit," he said. "We have spent around €8bn in preparing intensively for this special event. Most of our investments, especially in transport and communication, are very important for our city."

However, it was the National Stadium Warsaw that most impressed Massimo Franchi from Italian newspaper Tuttosport. "I like the stadium in Warsaw so much," he said. "It looks very good. In my opinion it will be the most beautiful stadium at UEFA EURO 2012."