UEFA president Michel Platini has expressed pride and satisfaction over the organisation of Euro 2012, ahead of Sunday's final in Kiev between Italy and holders Spain.
Build-up to the tournament was dogged by concerns over the readiness of Poland and Ukraine to co-host the competition, with particular anxiety expressed over Ukraine's infrastructure and the threat of fan violence.
However, apart from skirmishes between Russia and Poland fans prior to a group match in Warsaw and isolated incidents of racial abuse from supporters, the tournament has largely avoided controversy.
"The overwhelming feeling I have today is pride," Platini told journalists at a press conference in Kiev on Saturday.
"Pride for Poland and Ukraine, so often decried but who proved they were up to the task by putting on such a great tournament. And pride for the people of Poland and Ukraine, who were such wonderful hosts.
"Good luck, France (hosts of the European Championship in 2016), because the bar has been set very high."
Platini also expressed satisfaction with the extra goal-line referees, despite a high-profile blunder in Ukraine's 1-0 loss to England, when Marko Devic was denied a goal despite the ball clearly crossing the line.
"I know you will focus on the mistake, but the five-man refereeing system has been tested in over 1,000 matches without a single error," said the former France international.
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