We almost didn’t get the show on the road. Schedules had been cleared. Work had been handed over. Loved ones had been kissed good-bye. But at least on my end an early 5am start still proved nearly inadequate. Even for cab drivers the Maltese road network seems to be a quagmire to navigate. It took twenty minutes and a number of phone calls to direct the cabbie to the desired location. All the while check-in time drew nearer. Crowds at the airport were mercifully sparse for a morning in mid June, though, and so I was aboard an A320 taking a few dozen passengers to Vienna on Sunday, June 18th. Kraków was to be the final destination after a three hour lay-over.

Arrived at the airport just in time to get off the island.

By the time the YYFP crew had met up, secured a rental car, and arrived at the apartment, afternoon had turned into early evening. A brief excursion through the immediate surroundings confirmed our first impression: Kraków seemed a city of many layers with a young and bustling population. Alas, hardly anybody looked to be geared up for some football. A theme that would span the whole week, only nearing the stadia would any sort of Under-21 Euros buzz develop.

Denmark vs Italy, Kraków

The first match we went to, still in Kraków, was destined to be Italy vs Denmark. Gianluigi Donnarumma drew cheers from the moderate support, and ire from the die-hards. Italy looked a sturdy proposition on defence but lacked a bit of punch going forward. Lorenzo Pellegrini saved the Azzurrini’s day with a beautiful overhead kick before Andrea Petagna converted from short range to provide the final scoreline of 2:0.

Our first match at the U21 Euros, Italy vs Denmark.

We hadn’t brought the podcasting equipment for naught. So Monday morning was spent recording the first of three episodes on the road, re-capping all of the matchday 1 action.

Slovakia vs England, Kielce

Kraków to Kielce, in retrospect, turned out to be the perfect introduction to travel on Polish roads. At 120 or so kilometres the trip to watch England take on Slovakia offered a taste of all intricacies which we would encounter: roads in dire need of repair, correspondingly endless road works, and speed limits serving as mere suggestions more so than actual law to be followed. Most of the fellow drivers on the day, however, were boasting Slovak license plates. Of the 12.087 spectators who filed into Kolporter Arena at least 12.000 will have been supporting the Sokolíci. A raucous crowd saw their team throw away a lead somewhat unnecessarily. Alfie Mawson levelled Martin Chrien’s opener, both coming via corner, while Nathan Redmond created an opportunity for himself over the left wing. England’s 2:1 win drew rather muffled cheers from the YYFP crew; too numerous the Slovak fans around us, too red their faces — owing to a mix of beer, sun, and supposed refereeing injustices suffered.