Speedway hero Gollob revved up for EURO 2012

Speedway world champion Tomasz Gollob spoke of his love and passion for football after being unveiled as one of the latest four Friends of UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland.

Gollob was presented on breakfast television show Kawa czy Herbata (Tea or Coffee) together with Krzysztof Cugowski, Romuald Lipko and Tomasz Zeliszewski from the Polish progressive rock band Budka Suflera.

"It's great honour to be recognised as a Friend of EURO," said Gollob, who last year took his first individual world title as well as helping Poland retain the Speedway World Cup. "I played football as a youngster before my father introduced me to speedway and that became my passion and sport. But I'm still a big football fan; I find the game fantastic. I love watching football matches and EURO is a unique opportunity to promote Poland worldwide."

Cugowski, Lipko and Zeliszewski, members of Budka Suflera since 1969, were more focused on matters on the pitch – and on seeing an improvement from a Poland side defeated 2-0 by Lithuania in friendly action on Friday. "My biggest wish for 2012 is that we last more than just three matches as has been the case in recent major tournaments," said Cugowski.

Indeed, the Biało-czerwoni (meaning white and reds), as the national team are known, have not advanced beyond a group stage since the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Lipko, though, remains confident, adding: "I am sure Poland will enjoy success. Playing in front of their home crowd will be extra motivation for our players." Budka Suflera, of course, know a thing or two about playing for huge expectant audiences.