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.

    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.

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) Photo Gallery>>>

    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.

Netherlands' Robin van Persie (C) scores his team's second goal during their Group C Euro 2008 match against Romania at the Stade de Suisse stadium in Bern, June 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    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.

    Spain and Croatia also scored 3 wins against 0 losses in group stage but their performances were less speculated than the Dutch as their groups were not as tough as the Netherlands.

    Portugal, though lost their final group match against co-hosts Switzerland after virtually won the group and advanced to the quarterfinals, were another team to watch.

    Scolari's team displayed good form and excellent teamwork in the first two matches against Turkey and the Czech Republic, showing that they had not only Cristan Ronaldo.

    Turkey turned the most tough team in group stage. They qualified from Group A after Portugal with two comeback wins over Switzerland and the Czech Republic in four days.

    Turkey's last group match against the Czech Republic was a masterpiece of comeback. They were 2-0 behind but fought back in the last minutes to surpass for a 3-2 thrilling win.

    Another highlighted match between 2006 World Cup finalists Italy and France were destroyed by the injury of Franck Ribery anda red card to French defender Eric Abidal.

    The match had been expected to be an even one but France suffered two blows in the first half with Ribery sustained a knee and ankle and Abidal was shown the red.

    Goals from Andrea Pirlo and Daniele de Rossi sent the French team packing for home.

    The two-hosts of the tournament Switzerland and Austria joined France in the most disappointed. With the home advantage, neither Switzerland and Austria could go one step further beyond the group stage.

    Now the knock-out stage were given to the teams like Turkey, Russia and Spain.

    The quarterfinal starts on Thursday with Germany taking on Portugal in Basel. The other last eight fixtures are Turkey against Croatia in Vienna on Friday, the Netherlands facing Russia on Saturday in Basel and Spain playing Italy on Sunday in Vienna.