The wait for Europe’s top soccer tournament is almost over.

Once the opening whistle blows tonight in Warsaw, and as fans flood into Ukraine over the weekend, we hope stories about Ukraine’s corruption, racism and political problems will be replaced by tales of great goals, fun parties and Ukrainians’ hospitality.

The whole country needs a boost to its reputation and a lift from the economic and political gloom – and Euro 2012 could provide it.

The European championship usually has a festival atmosphere, with thousands of fans from different nations enjoying the sport and the company of new friends. Despite all the delays, Ukraine seems about ready – if not in perfect shape – to throw a European party.

Things will, inevitably, go wrong.

There are many things that could go wrong.

The new high-speed trains have hardly been tested.

Notoriously corrupt police will need to be on their best behavior. New airports and terminals will be working at capacity for the first time.

Things will, inevitably, go wrong.

Tourists will wait too long to get served at restaurants, like the rest of us in a culture still not service-oriented. English fans in Donetsk may not get their English breakfast, complete with black pudding, sausage links and baked beans, but they’ll find Ukrainian cuisine more than passable.

Hopefully, the Swedes won’t have to wait long for the portable toilets to get drained at their Kyiv campsite. And there is sincere hope that Lviv’s narrow, ancient streets – whose infrastructure is fragile – don’t get clogged to immobility.

Hopefully, all foreign fans will know what people here already do. Ukrainians know how to throw a good party. They’re gracious hosts.

We can’t wait to see the Swedes parade in Kyiv, and the Dutch cheer, draped in their bright orange, or hear the boisterous English soccer chants.

But most of all, we’d like for fans to leave with a smile on their face and not forget that Ukraine is also a big part of Europe.