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And then there were 8. Well, then eventually 4, then 2 and then one, but you get the point. The quarterfinals just seemed to get better and better as they progressed with yesterday’s encounter between England and Italy producing yet another one of the penalty shootouts that England hate, especially without designated spot-kick takers like Lampard and Barry. Here’s the best XI of the last ‘ocho‘:
Formation: 4-5-1
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (ITA)
Well well well, look who it is again. Gigi Buffon brings his Juventus form into the Euros as against England it was the first time he was really tested as a goalkeeper and captain. He cemented his spot in our XI after that ridiculous point-blank save against Johnson. 33 and still going as strong as ever, he didn’t have much to do until the penalties. He proved his mettle by not falling for Ashley Cole‘s hesitation and kept a cool head throughout the match. He better be at his best, because with Germany up next, Gigi is bound to get his hands stung by a few fierce shots from die Mannschaft.
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Rightback: Philipp Lahm (GER) (C)
If people ever once doubted if Philipp Lahm had what it takes to be a leader, well, their doubts would’ve been cleared now. Hardly putting a foot wrong throughout the whole of the match vs Greece and played a real captain’s performance. And to cap it all off, he got a magnificent goal to open the scoring for the Germans. Especially with German Chancellor Angela Merkel watching on, nice way to make an impression.
Centreback: Joleon Lescott (ENG)
Partnering John Terry who was distracted with Balotelli around, Lescott really stepped up to the occassion. Maybe his new nickname should be ‘The Block’ because he made so many blocks that we lost count. Not hesitant to put his self out there for the team, he was one of the key reasons England held on til the penalty shootout. Class act from the Man City man who just beat Mats Hummels to our XI.
Centreback: Pepe (POR)
With a reputation for being violent on field, this man must get a mention just for not exploding in the match. Pepe showed us his mature side vs the Czechs, making vital tackles and blocks to deny the Czechs even a shot on target. Key in interceptions and shielding Rui Patricio, Pepe showed us why he is so wanted at the Santiago Bernabeu and by the Special One.
Leftback: Jordi Alba (ESP)
Was a rock at the back and put in great runs along the left. Neutralized the likes of Ribery, Nasri, Menez and Benzema as well. Had impeccable coordination with the rest of the back 4 and Andres Iniesta as the 23-yr-old Valencia man shows us why he is one of the hottest defenders in Europe currently with many Premier League clubs and Barcelona chasing him.
Right Midfielder/Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR)
After a frustrating start to the tournament, Ronaldo is well back among the goals now and starting to prove his potential as captain and star player. His attitude has become better considerably and he is actually starting to combine well with Helder Postiga now. The Real Madrid man had a ball of a game against the Czechs, drifting all over the place, interchanging with Nani but Spain will look to single him out and neutralize him (or just bore him to death by holding the ball for long periods of time). Portugal’s El Capitano has brought them this far – can he take them through to the final step?
Right Central Midfielder: Xabi Alonso (ESP)
Making his 100th appearance, scoring 2 well-taken goals and leading his team into an Iberian derby – it couldn’t have gone much better for the ex-Liverpool man. He provided the attacking thrust that Spain needed badly as they tried to bore France till they gave up. He took the risks, combining well with David Silva and all of his teammates to give us what perhaps is one of his best performances in a Spain shirt.
Defensive Midfielder: Sami Khedira (GER)
The most overlooked player of the tournament, he was brilliant in the group stages as he sat in front of his defence and shielded them like a rock. Made occassional surging runs, linking up beautifully with his Real Madrid teammate Ozil as they terrorised the Greece defence. Scored a beautiful volley to put the game out of Greece’s reach and played a big part in sending his team through.
Left Central Midfielder: Andrea Pirlo (ITA) ?
L’arcchitecto. What else to say? You see, once we start talking about Pirlo, we tend to get all romantic and poetic, comparing to opera masters and puppeteers and architects. Cheesy much? No, because that is exactly how he plays! He exudes a style and swagger that forces you to get all poetic. Simply put, he is like the chief chef of the Italian side. (How can you talk about Italy and not about food?) He cooks up every attack and sends it out for his sous chefs and waiters to organize and serve. And after that wonderfully taken Panenka penalty, we’d be bonkers to deny him a place.
For those who can’t bother to read everything above, Pirlo is 33 years old, ran 15.2km, made 117 of Italy’s 815 passes, scored a Panenka penalty and did not commit a single foul. *falls at Pirlo’s feet*
Left Midfielder/Winger: Mesut Ozil (GER)
The most involved and influential player of the tournament so far, Ozil has played some part in almost every single German goal. He is the sculptor behind Die Mannschaft’s attacks and has just been sublime – Germany’s own Andrea Pirlo. 2 assists vs Greece speak very little as his performance could’ve got him so many more. His form will be vital for Germany when they face a midfield of the likes of Pirlo and De Rossi.
Striker: Miroslav Klose (GER)
Legend. Master. Call him what you want, Klose has never failed to produce his best in a German shirt. Got a well-deserved goal vs the Greeks as he fought well against the Spartan defence. Gomez was stellar in the group stages but Klose is the man for the big stage. With him up front, Germany have a new swagger and style that looks all-conquering.
Do you think we’ve left anyone out? You think someone deserved to be here? Post your comments!
