Platini hails Euro World Cup success as reward for youth investment

KEIR RADNEDGE in South Africa

DURBAN, Jul 07: Europe’s success in boasting both teams in the 2010 World Cup Final is, according to European federation president Michel Platini “a victory for the beautiful game".

UEFA’s French leader was pleased to see ‘his’ teams come through after earlier questioning of European fixture schedules after the early, unexpected exits of Italy, England and France. Now Holland will face Germany or Spain in Sunday’s Final in Soccer City.

Platini said: “The three nations who have won the most youth events over the past 10 years are now in the final four. Can all of this be put down to mere good luck? I don't think so. We are witnessing a triumph for technical education programmes, sound management and good governance.

“Nothing could be more pleasing than to see what has been achieved by three teams with youth and freshness at their heart, deploying playing systems that leave considerable room for creativity.

“So we have Germany, winners of the 2009 European Under-21 Championship; the Netherlands, who won the previous Under-21 title in 2007; and Spain, successive winners on four occasions of our Maurice Burlaz Trophy, awarded to the national association with the best results in Uefa's youth competitions.

'Model policy'

“This not only makes me happy - three great football nations can also derive pleasure. Above all, it is just reward for the long-term efforts of three associations who have invested in education and training. A model policy which will, for the first time in football history, enable a European team to win a World Cup staged outside our continent."

Platini praised the hosting work undertaken by South Africa, saying: “The challenge was enormous and the South African people have risen to this challenge. The first World Cup staged on the African continent has been a resounding success.

“As the matches and events passed by, the organisation got into its stride, the wheels quickly clicked into gear and the extraordinary kindness and innate sense of hospitality and pride of an entire people have done the rest.

“The South Africans showed an extraordinary capacity to overcome their initial grief after the elimination of the Bafana Bafana before going on to identify with all of their continent.

“Over the course of the matches, with their satisfactions and disappointments, they have shared joy with all those taking part in this great football festival - and have shown a remarkable measure of respect for everything and everyone. I can only congratulate them on this."

http://www.sportsfeatures.com/soccernews/story/47131/platini-hails-euro-world-cup-success-as-reward-for-youth-investment