UEFA hails Euro 2008 "first class"

VIENNA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- UEFA officials praised the group stage of Euro 2008 as "a great tournament so far" after the conclusion of the first 24 games.

UEFA General Secretary David Taylor said that the race for the title of Euro 2008 remained wide open. "We've seen some absolutely great games, we've now completed the group phase with 24 international matches and there has only been one 0-0 draw -- the football really has been entertaining."

The UEFA General Secretary praised the players and coaches for the way that they have approached UEFA EURO 2008 up to now, with just three red cards in the first 24 games. "UEFA is heavily promoting the motto of 'respect'; in high-level competition the stakes are high, but the players have a good respect for each other, for the game and for the referees," he said.

"I've been very pleased to see the way in which players have been fiercely competitive but there have been no real major incidents of any significance. The general approach of the players and coaches has been first class." the General Secretary said.