UEFA Chief Platini Praises Co-Hosts Poland, Ukraine

UEFA President Michel Platini

The president of the Europe's soccer federation, UEFA, has praised Poland and Ukraine for their co-hosting of the Euro 2012 championship finals.

Michel Platini said that "Poland and Ukraine have delivered" on their hosting duties, adding that "it is very difficult to do better."

The tournament, which began on June 8, has been marred only by scattered incidents of violence, racist abuse, and player misconduct.

As of June 19, fines totaled 374,000 euros ($475,000) in eight cases involving five national federations and one Danish player.

In the competition, both the Polish and Ukrainian teams were eliminated in the group stage and have no further games.

In the quarterfinals, which get under way on June 21, the Czech Republic will face Portugal.

The other six remaining teams are Germany, Greece, Spain, France, England and Italy.

Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters