"UEFA is the first confederation to win three straight World Cup titles" (Michel Platini)

"I would like to congratulate Germany for winning the 2014 World Cup after an intense final with Argentina at the Maracana Stadium. It is a great achievement for Germany, who are the first UEFA [Union of European Football Associations] national association in the history of the competition to win the trophy in South America. Their victory in Brazil means that UEFA is the first confederation to win three straight World Cup titles, as the German national team follows on Spain in 2010 and Italy in 2006," said Michel Platini, president of UEFA, on 14/07/2014.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Brazil for hosting such a wonderful tournament. The atmosphere in the stadiums was electric, and we saw a true South American party over the last month that will never be forgotten," added Michel Platini on the UEFA website.

"The whole continent and the host country proved that they have an amazing passion for football, and I can say it was truly a pleasure to be part of this World Cup," said the president of UEFA, who is also a vice-president of FIFA (Fédération…