KIEV: Colombian pop sensation Shakira joined forces with Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych and 60,000 spectators as the covers came off Kiev's troubled Euro 2012 Olympiysky stadium on Saturday in a politically-tinged opening.
"With this stadium, Ukraine will organise a worthy Euro 2012," said Yanukovych of a ground which will host five matches, including the July 1 final, at the championships being co-hosted with Poland, but which has been dogged by construction delays and accusations of corruption.
Shakira, who also featured at the opening of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, performed for 40 minutes, singing the official song from last year's football showpiece, "Waka Waka".
Against a background of fireworks, more than 2,000 artists put on a show with Ukraine folklore at its heart.
The stadium was scheduled to be completed in June, but work on the 585 million euro renovations was delayed, a factor which caused UEFA to air their concerns to local organisers. (AFP)
"With this stadium, Ukraine will organise a worthy Euro 2012," said Yanukovych of a ground which will host five matches, including the July 1 final, at the championships being co-hosted with Poland, but which has been dogged by construction delays and accusations of corruption.
Shakira, who also featured at the opening of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, performed for 40 minutes, singing the official song from last year's football showpiece, "Waka Waka".
Against a background of fireworks, more than 2,000 artists put on a show with Ukraine folklore at its heart.
The stadium was scheduled to be completed in June, but work on the 585 million euro renovations was delayed, a factor which caused UEFA to air their concerns to local organisers. (AFP)
