Michel Platini salutes Germany's success

UEFA President Michel Platini has offered his congratulations to FIFA World Cup winners Germany – the first European team to take the world title on South American soil – and has praised Brazil for hosting what he described as a "wonderful tournament".

Mr Platini has been in Brazil to watch the World Cup unfold, and said the tournament had been a "true South American party that will never be forgotten".

He added: "I would like to congratulate Germany for winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup after an intense final with Argentina at the Maracana Stadium. It is a great achievement for Germany, who are the first UEFA national association in the history of the competition to win the trophy in South America.

"Their victory in Brazil means that UEFA becomes the first confederation to win three straight World Cup titles, as the German national team follows Spain in 2010 and Italy in 2006.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Brazil for hosting such a wonderful tournament," the UEFA President added. "The atmosphere in the stadiums was electric, and we saw a true South American party over the last month that will never be forgotten.

"The whole continent and the host country proved that they have an amazing passion for football, and I can say it was truly a pleasure to be part of this World Cup."

"International football is now taking a small break," Mr Platini continued. "But I am already looking forward to seeing many of our top teams, including the new world champions Germany, in action in the new European Qualifiers which start in September.

"The campaign promises to be an exciting one, with a record 24 national sides qualifying for UEFA EURO 2016, which we hope will be a fantastic tournament."