[Mark]

Euro 2008 - UEFA praise players and coaches

UEFA general secretary David Taylor praised players and coaches for their attitude despite the fiercely competitive nature of Euro 2008.

Originally Posted by eurosport.yahoo.com

Only three players have been red carded in the opening 24 matches, although German coach Joachim Loew and his Austrian counterpart Josef Hickersberger were both sent to the stands for their behaviour when their sides met in Vienna on Monday.

"I have been very pleased to see the way the players have been fiercely competitive but there have been no really major incidents of any significance and the general approach of players and coaches has been first class," Taylor said.

"We are having a great tournament. We have seen some great games. We have had 24 matches and only one 0-0 draw. The football really has been entertaining.

"First and foremost this is due to the attitude of the players. In high level competition the stakes are high but the

players have shown respect for each other, the game and the referees.

"Now there are always going to be incidents, we are never going to be clear and perfect in all of this but this tournament has been marked by a much better attitude all around.

"We have to show the best of football, not just in terms of the quality of the game but in the way the game is played.

"This is a special tournament and any of the last eight national teams can win it, and this is what gives this tournament its special appeal."

Taylor also said the fan zones were continuing to be a great success and UEFA was delighted with the number of fans from eastern Europe who have travelled to Switzerland and Austria for the event.

"The fans are mingling with each other, and perhaps this is something the club game could learn from. It is a very noticeable and a very welcome trend. Seeing signs like

"Sweden loves Russia", "Sweden loves Greece2", these sorts of banners are very positive.

"The numbers of fans coming from eastern Europe is a new development and a very positive one too."

Article Here!




I'm backing UEFA with this one, putting out a couple of escapes here or there from the supporters or maybe a couple of angry coaches was a very respectful football all around up 'till now.

Looking forword from the same at the rest of the tourmament.

You guys, what do you think ?

[Torque]

I wonder if they would have praised England too.

Anyway, yes, all the matches so far have been very interesting, with small exceptions.

And I hope the rest of the games will be as interesting. I hope there won't be tactical matches.