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The party is starting, says Platini
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Michel Platini is happy the wait is almost over
(¿Getty Images)
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UEFA President Michel Platini joins millions of football
fans in Europe and around the world in heralding the long-awaited arrival
of UEFA EURO 2008T tomorrow.
Very proud
"The party is going to start," said Mr Platini in Basel, venue
for the opening match between co-hosts Switzerland and the Czech Republic
tomorrow evening (18.00CET). "As President of UEFA I am very proud
that this tournament is about to kick off.
Wonderful atmosphere
"UEFA and Euro 2008 SA under COO Martin Kallen have been working
hard for very many years to ensure the best possible conditions for players,
spectators and the media. Everything is being done to ensure that there
will be a wonderful atmosphere for the fans coming to Austria and Switzerland
from the whole of Europe.
Feelings and emotions
"What is really important are the feelings and emotions that will
be felt by the spectators, thanks to the games that they will be watching,"
the UEFA President added. "There is going to be a lot of drama, there
will be pain and joy, and the best team will be the winner. I also hope
that football will be the winner. I'm expecting wonderful emotions and
I'm passing the ball on to all the players, who are key to our success."
Respect
Mr Platini also spoke of the theme of respect which is being made a key
element of the tournament - respect for, among other things, the referees,
the teams and national anthems. UEFA EURO 2008T is a sporting and media
event with worldwide exposure and it is felt important by UEFA for it
to transmit a strong social, civic and humanitarian message. The campaign
will expand in the future to all UEFA competitions and events, and the
word will also be spread by the football family at national and local
levels - namely that there must be respect for the difference and diversity
that enriches Europe.
Positive feelings
Martin Kallen expressed his positive feelings at the start of the tournament
too. "We are ready, we kick off tomorrow, and let's hope that the
weather will improve," he said. "The teams are very happy with
their facilities, they have everything they need. Security and safety
is guaranteed, there are no alerts whatsoever, we have everything under
control."
Euro2008.com,
6 June 2008
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