Platini Praises Europe's Young World Cup Semifinalists

Michel Platini has given the thumbs up for Europe's three World Cup semifinal teams. Photo by EPA/BGNES

UEFA president Michel Platini has hailed Europe's three World Cup semifinal teams for promoting young, creative players.

Platini pointed out that Germany, the Netherlands and Spain have also been the three most successful nations in European youth tournaments in recent years.

"Can all of this be put down to mere good luck? I don't think so," the former France great wrote in a column for UEFA's website. "It represents a victory for the beautiful game, with the accent placed on attacking football.

"It is just reward for the long-term efforts of three associations who have invested in education and training."

Under Platini's leadership since 2007, UEFA has promoted a homegrown player rule encouraging clubs to select players aged under 23 who were trained in that home country.

Teams playing in UEFA's showpiece Champions League competition must name at least eight "locally trained" players in a squad of 25.

Platini said "nothing could be more pleasing" than to see Germany, the Netherlands and Spain share his philosophy for football.

"Three teams with youth and freshness at their heart, deploying playing systems that leave considerable room for creativity," said Platini, who inspired a popular, elegant France team to the World Cup semifinals in 1982 and '86.

"This not only makes me happy - three great football nations can also derive pleasure."

Uruguay and the Netherlands will face off Tuesday in the first semifinal at the World Cup football tournament in South Africa.

On Wednesday, Spain clashes with Germany in Durban in the other World Cup semifinal.

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