The matches were played on the pitches in Basel, Switzerland, and Vienna, Austria, just before kick-off. The initiative, the brainchild of UEFA President Michel Platini, aimed to highlight the abilities of the players, the accessibility of football for all irregardless of disability, and the respect UEFA gives players with disabilities.

The first match involved Europe’s top two blind futsal (five-a-side football) teams, IBSA European champions Spain and second-placed Great Britain, playing in Basel prior to the Germany vs. Portugal match last Thursday.

On Friday, the action moved to Vienna where players with intellectual disabilities representing Special Olympics SO-SO Austria and ÖBSV Austria took to the field before the Turkey vs. Croatia quarter-final.

Returning to Basel on Saturday, players with physical disabilities from Germany and hosts Switzerland lined up before the Netherlands faced Russia in the third quarter-final.

Last night saw the project come to a close in Vienna just before the Spain vs. Italy match, with CPISRA (cerebral palsy) teams from the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.

Click here for more information on the initiative.