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| What a team this lot would've made. Still wouldn't have beat Spain mind..... |
Rui Patrico - The Sporting Lisbon number one conceded four times but the strikes from Van der Vaart, Gomez and Bendtner (yes, him) were all pretty much unstoppable. He made two crucial saves from Iniesta and Jesus Navas in the semi final against Spain. Both saves demonstrated lightning fast reactions and gave his side a shot at glory in the penalty shoot out in which he saved Xabi Alonso's effort, but the profligacy of his team mates from 12 yards cost him a place in the final.
Gebre Selassie - Selassie's high octane performances down the right during the Czech's run to the quarter finals were a real outstanding aspect of the tournaments early stages. His ability to offer an attacking threat for a pretty ordinary side was a huge boost to his teams chances and allied with his solid defending he impressed immensely. Energetic, enthusiastic and technically sound, his performances epitomised the full modern full back role and he was a joy to watch unlike many of his team mates. He has earned himself a summer move to Werder Bremen and will be one to keep an eye on in the Bundesliga next term.
Daniel Agger - Denmark left the tournament after the group stages, but their captain excelled and can be proud of his efforts. He made an average of seven interceptions per game during his time in Ukraine and looked every bit the assured, leader of his team. In a career that has only been held back by persistent injuries, Agger again showed that he has the class to join the group of the world's elite defenders. If his body holds up, he could be Liverpool's key to success next year and he is more than likely to be Denmark's defensive linchpin for years to come.
Matts Hummels - Until Antonio Cassano embarrassed him in the semi final, Hummels had performed with distinction for an excellent German team who, for many, were favourites to win the competition. Aged only 23 years old, it is little wonder that European club giants across the continent are casting envious glances towards Dortmund in admiration of this cultured centre back. He was Germany's most solid defender throughout the tournament and a player who appears to be on the cusp of greatness which will surely come when a little more experience is gained. He will have learned a lot from this summer and it will stand him in good stead for future.
Glen Johnson - One of England's few outstanding players this summer. Threatening in attack, particularly in the early stages of England's quarter final against Italy where he was arguably his country's brightest hope of a goal. The notion that he cannot defend remains for some strange reason, but he excelled in this tournament to confound his critics. Amazing to think that if Kyle Walker had been fit he probably wouldn't have even been starting any matches this summer. It remains to be seen whether Hodgson will maintain his faith in the attacking full back for the World Cup qualification campaign.
Wesley Sneijder - As the Dutch imploded, one man stood head and shoulders above the uninterested, egotistical, squabbling masses that surrounded him. Sneijder manfully battled to the bitter end of Holland's disastrous outing and was the one bright spot for his country. After a patchy season at Inter it was nice to see him recapture something like his best form. He also played the pass of the entire tournament against Denmark when he delivered a stupendous pinpoint 30 yarder executed with the outside of his boot. It took the breath away. Typically, the recipient (Klass-Jan Huntelaar) missed the chance that Sneijder had magically conjured and Holland lost the game anyway. Sneijder deserved better but Holland didn't.
Luka Modric - The only midfielder in the tournament to outshine Iniesta, Xavi et al when matched directly against them. In the match between Spain and Croatia, Modric was everywhere and wouldn't have looked out of place playing for La Roja, which is just about as high praise as you can bestow upon a midfield player these days. He was phenomenal as his side pushed the eventual winners right to the death and arguably should have won the match. Rumours of Real Madrid seeking his services are not unexpected and would be a huge coup for La Liga as a whole such is his quality. He led a spirited campaign from the Croats who were ultimately unlucky to depart from their extremely difficult group which contained both finalists in Spain and Italy.
Joao Moutinho - While Cristiano Ronaldo was predictably racking up the column inches for his goals and (lack of) penalties, Moutinho was quietly going about his business as the fulcrum of Portugal's industrial midfield trio. His intelligent movement, precise passing and perpetual motion were key to his sides success as his hard work alongside Meireles and Veloso freed up Ronaldo to take centre stage in the attacking areas. The midfielder, often touted for a Premier League move since his teenage years, provided a master-class of a game against the Czech Republic and if big European clubs were watching closely this summer it may just have persuaded them to finally take a punt on the diminutive Porto man.
Daniele De Rossi - Clearly hampered with a sciatic nerve problem throughout the tournament but epitomised Italy's returned strength of character and will to win. He played as a sweeper to great effect against Spain and Croatia before returning to his more familiar role in central midfield later in the tournament. He has become a leader for Italy, a warrior and a captain in all but name. The Roma stalwart who recently committed his future to his boyhood club will have a huge part to play if Prandelli's team are to maintain their progress going forward.
Alan Dzagoev - Started in a blaze of glory just like his entire team with two goals in their opening match against the Czech Republic where he was excellent. He followed that up with another crucial goal against Poland but Russia's inept performance against Greece coupled with the shock 1-0 score line sent the impressive young forward home. Even in that game, a wonderful flicked header came this close to saving Russia's bacon. At only 22 he looks to have a great future ahead of him and CSKA Moscow will surely have to fend off some interested parties this summer.
Antonio Cassano - Not a bad tournament for a man who suffered a mini stroke not so long ago. Was obviously not fit enough to play 90 minutes and was used wisely by his manager. He was clearly exhausted in the final which was a shame, but his assist for Balotelli's opener against Germany will live long in the memory. A classy forward who knitted Italy's attacking play together in a very understated but proficient manner. Technique and touch were his weapons rather than pace or power and he used them delightfully, to the great benefit of the Azzurri.
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