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Poland continued the countdown to the Euro 2012 football finals, which it will co-host with Ukraine, with the opening of the purpose-built National Stadium in Warsaw on Sunday. Getty Images
The new 50,000-seater arena is built on the site of the old 10th Anniversary stadium, which was opened in 1955 and welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1983. Getty Images
Construction on the new stadium began in 2008, with Sunday's celebration marking the end of four years' hard work. The first stone of the new arena was laid on October 7, 2009. Getty Images
Fans were anxious to see with new arena, with the first 40,000 to arrive being rewarded with a free music festival and fireworks spectacular. Getty Images
The stadium will host the first match of Euro 2012, when Poland take on 2004 champions Greece. It will also be the venue for one of the two semifinals. Getty Images