Portugal won Euro 2016 with a remarkable Eder goal in the second half of extra time and in truth it was a dreadful match with few chances scattered between the 120 minutes. It doesn’t mean they’ll relish their success any less though and the entire nation will certainly be celebrating late into the night.
In this piece, we look at the players who made a brilliant impression in Euro 2016, a tournament that had several rousing and inspiring stories and never really failed to entertain and enthrall.
Here is the team of the tournament:
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
The Italian goalkeeper has had a stellar career, cementing his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of all time if not THE best. At 38, he’s had one of the best seasons of his life, shattering records at Juve and his spell at the Euros was no less impressive.
In 390 minutes at the European Championships, Buffon only conceded one goal, from an unfortunate deflected ball that Ozil poked into the corner. He guessed the right way in almost each of the German penalties, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to see the Italians make the semi-finals.
Defenders
Jerome Boateng (Germany)
The Bayern Munich defender had a splendid tournament. His daft handball that allowed Italy to equalise in the quarter-finals didn't ultimately prove costly and apart from that aberration he's barely put a foot wrong.
Assured in possession and persistent and immaculate tackler, Boateng was a big reason for the Germans solidity at the back.
Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
The Italians didn’t make it past the quarter-finals but left experts and fans with no doubts about their ability and organisation. Bonucci, in particular, was absolutely magnificent. Whether it was his gorgeous long balls from deep inside his own half or his impeccable positioning and tackling, Bonucci cemented his growing reputation at being amongst the best in his position.
No wonder Guardiola is willing to offer up to €60 million for the 29-year-old Maverick.
Pepe (Portugal)
Pepe isn't a much-loved figure in the footballing world for his antics on the pitch but he's only cemented his status as one of the best defenders in world football in the Euros.
Tenacious and commanding at the back, he was imperative to Portugal's defensive wall and made it possible for them to do so well, even when the attack was not clicking.
Midfielders
Aaron Ramsey (Wales)
The Arsenal midfielder enjoyed a sensational Euro 2016 campaign with a dream run to the semi-finals. Even though the fact that he had to miss the semi’s because of suspension will still hurt, he’ll look back on an amazing run and some of the best performances he’s had in his lifetime.
His all-around superb display against Belgium in the quarter-finals especially will linger long in the memory.
Toni Kroos (Germany)
Kroos seemed to have taken a backseat in the public’s eyes after initially bursting onto the scene as a wonderfully gifted and versatile midfielder with Bayern Munich. He was back to his imperious best at Euro 2016, showing his wide array of passing and mobility and was central to the Germans run to the semi-finals.
He was the best German player in the loss against France as well, constantly trying to create an opening but to no avail.
Paul Pogba (France)
A lot was expected of the Juventus midfielder going into the tournament. He was just coming off his most productive and consistent season with Juventus and was France's star player. Deschamps struggled with finding a system to fit all his talented players in though and Pogba was eventually forced to accept a more withdrawn role.
He rose to the challenge though and put in a series of combative performances in midfield, while spraying passes across the pitch with poise.
Nani (Portugal)
The former Manchester United player has produced a series of consistent performances he’s rarely ever had in his career in Euro 2016.
With 3 goals and a lot more key passes, Nani has re-entered the imagination of football fans worldwide and shown what he’s capable of if he performs at his best. The result? Portugal are Euro 2016 champions and Nani can be immensely proud of the enormous part he’s played in their historic success.
Attackers
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Real Madrid star might not have had the greatest of tournaments but he did step up when Portugal needed him the most. From scoring a brace to give them a much-needed draw against Hungary in the group stages, to rising high and scoring a wonderful header against Wales, Ronaldo did have his moments.
Even though Ronaldo did not play the final, he did enough to just about make it to the Team of the tournament.
Gareth Bale (Wales)
The Welsh team returned home as heroes, even though they could not make it to the finals of Euro 2016. Riding Gareth Bale’s excellent performances in the group stages and in the knockout rounds as well, it should come as no surprise that the Welshman makes it to the list.
Bale scored in every group game and was fantastic for Wales. The team won the hearts of millions and Bale was just one reason why the team did so well.
Antoine Griezmann (France)
The Atletico star had a difficult start to the tournament as France tried to find their best formation, but once he was on song he never looked back. He fully deserves the top scorer tag and has been the best player of the tournament quite comfortably. Deschamps made sure he played him in the position he’s caused so much havoc in for Diego Simeone’s side and the Frenchman should finish on the podium of the Ballon d’Or this year at the very least.
Here is the formation of the Best 11 in Euro 2016
Honourable mentions: Ragnar Sigurdsson (Iceland defender) , Andres Iniesta (Spain), Moussa Sissoko (France), Joshua Kimmich (Germany), Mattia De Sciglio (Italy)
