Platini enjoying EURO 'sizzler'

UEFA President Michel Platini gives his view of UEFA EURO 2008™ after the tournament in Austria and Switzerland passed the halfway stage.

We've arrived at the mid-point; half the matches are behind us and have whetted our appetites for more. We are privileged to be experiencing a tournament of exceptional quality combined with an extraordinary atmosphere. This is thanks to the host countries, the players and the supporters. The results of the first 16 matches have already upset the established hierarchy and cast doubt on the most firmly rooted certainties. The quality of play is extolled unanimously by all observers. Defensive tactics are nowhere to be seen; rather, all legal means are being used to overpower the other team who, more often than not, respond in the same way.

Team ethic
Team play is not stifling the talent of individuals, who are frequently giving some particularly dazzling performances. It's a real treat for football fans. Just one red card and fewer yellow cards than usual for a final round – this has to be the most encouraging result of this sizzler of a tournament. The referees are controlling these fast and energetic matches well, and one or two minor errors of judgement – usually down to only a few centimetres and, moreover, spontaneously acknowledged – have not spoilt this great festival of football. To err is human, and that is how it should stay as far as football is concerned.

Convivial atmosphere
Along with the great play during the first half of UEFA EURO 2008™, the other great winners have been the supporters in the stadiums and in the UEFA EURO 2008™ Fan Zones. I've been delighted to see whole families helping to fill the splendid stadiums in Austria and Switzerland. Everywhere, on the streets and in the squares of the beautiful Austrian and Swiss cities, I've seen colourful supporters of the different teams strolling around arm in arm discussing football and enjoying themselves no end. There are plenty of women in these happy crowds, which refutes once and for all the sexist reputation of our game.

No dampeners
Even though the weather has not always been favourable – far from it –
 enthusiasm has never failed, enthusiasm that has been conveyed so well by the superb pictures broadcast to the four corners of the world. Club supporters should definitely take a leaf out of the book of these national team supporters. These UEFA European Championship finals also offer many opportunities; combining duty and pleasure, I am taking advantage of the presence of many political leaders from all over Europe to defend, via the European sports model, UEFA's ideas and the values of our beautiful game.