Source: Xinhua

06-19-2008 18:02

Special Report:   2008 European Championships

VIENNA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- After 12 days of 24 tense matches, the group stage of Euro 2008 concluded on Wednesday and the "real battle" will be begin on Thursday.

Italian players celebrate for scoring during Euro 2008  Group C football match against France in Zurich, Switzerland,  June 17, 2008. Italy won 2-0.(Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

Germany takes on Portugal in Basel in the first quarterfinal clash on Thursday.

The group stage competitions saw some very exciting games including the match between Italy and France and Turkey's 3-2 thriller against the Czech Republic, while outside of the stadiums, there were no reports of major incidents.

Fifty-seven goals were scored in the 24 group stage matches with a moderate 2.38 average per match. Only three red cards were given out.

UEFA President Michel Platini gave his viewpoint as early as after the first round of eight matches in Austria and Switzerland.

"We have passed the first milestone, with eight matches now already behind us. All the teams have played and all the stadiums have hosted their first match. We can therefore make a first assessment, albeit a very partial one, but nonetheless a significant one, since all the installations and systems have been used."

"On the field - and this is the most significant effect - we have seen a spectacular decrease in the number of yellow and red cards." Platini said.

The Netherlands were the best team in the group stage as they scored the most goals (9) and concede the least (1) for a perfect record of 9 points from three matches in the Group of Death which also included Italy, France and Romania.

The Dutch ensured their quarterfinal berth with two emphatic victories of 3-0 and 4-1 over world champions Italy and runners-up France respectively, before downing Romania 2-0 with a second-string team.