UEFA Euro 2016 is about to reach its climax, with only four teams remaining. The quarter-finals had its share of ups and downs as Wales made it to the semi-finals for the first time in the country’s history and Germany finally defeated Italy in a competitive fixture. The Welsh team were a brilliant unit and comprehensively beat Belgium 3-1 and Germany overcame Italy in the longest shootout ever the Euros.
The Portuguese team was part of another dull Euro 2016 game; They overcame a stubborn Poland side 5-3 in penalties after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of lacklustre football and finally, a ruthless French side crushed minnows Iceland 5-2 in a rather one-sided contest. With the semi-finals fast approaching, let us take a look at 5 standout performers from the quarter-final stage:
Honourable Mentions: Manuel Neuer (Germany), James Chester (Wales), Mats Hummels (Germany), Grzegorz Krychowiak (Poland), Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales)
1) Aaron Ramsey (Wales)
The Arsenal midfielder put in his best performance in international colours against the mighty Belgians. Ramsey was a constant threat down the right flank. He toyed with Jordan Lukaku and delivered 5 dangerous crosses into the box. Ramsey was involved in everything positive for his side in the game.
He assisted Ashley William’s header with a pin-point cross from a well-taken corner. Ramsey also assisted Hal Robson Kanu’s wonder goal and had a passing accuracy of 86%, which was impressive against a pressing Belgian side.
The Arsenal star handled his defensive duties with aplomb. His tackle on De Bruyne was crucial, as it prevented the latter from scoring. Unfortunately, he was booked in the 75th minute resulting in a one-game suspension. With Ramsey not available for the semi-finals, Wales have a huge void to fill.
2) Olivier Giroud (France)
Another Gunner in our list, Frenchman Olivier Giroud had an incredible game against minnows Iceland. He opened the scoring with a brilliant finish courtesy of a marvelous Blaise Matuidi through ball. He also ended the scoring with an exquisite header past the hapless Halldorsson. His delightful flick carved opened the Icelandic defence resulting in an Antoine Griezmann goal.
With 3 goals in the tournament, Giroud is tied with fellow countryman Dimitri Payet, Gareth Bale, and Alvaro Morata as the second highest goal scorer in the championships, which is only a goal lesser than Griezmann’s tally.
Giroud will be crucial for the game against Germany as he will look to capitalise on their defensive fragilities (Mats Hummels is suspended)
3) Pepe (Portugal)
The hard-headed defender from Real Madrid finally put in a performance which justified his abilities at the heart of the defence. A nuisance in the air, Pepe nullified Arkadiusz Milik’s presence and kept him in his back pocket for the entire game. He made 5 clearances and 11 ball recoveries (highest in the quarter-finals). He shut out the likes of Jakub Blaszczykowski and Kamil Grosicki, preventing them from having an influence on the game.
He even completed 29 passes, which bailed Portugal out from many Polish counter-attacks. He even managed 3 blocks, one of them successfully preventing Lewandowski from scoring. After a strong display, Portugal will be depending on him to shut out Gareth Bale and company in the semi-finals.
4) Ashley Williams (Wales)
The Welsh skipper put in an inspirational performance at the heart of defence against favourites Belgium. He equalised for Wales with a bullet header courtesy of an Aaron Ramsey corner.
This goal proved to be the catalyst as Wales were unstoppable after the equaliser. Williams was a nuisance in his opponent’s box. He overshadowed youngsters Jason Denayer and Jordan Lukaku with his strength and power, winning every single header. Williams was a rock at the heart of the defence.
He made 6 clearances and 6 ball recoveries. He made 2 crunching challenges on the abysmal Romelu Lukaku, denying him open headers for the entire game. He even completed 29 passes out of a possible 33, which is impressive for his standards.
With 3 of his fellow defenders on yellow cards, Wales will be depending on their captain for another masterclass at the back against favourites Portugal.
5) Renato Sanches (Portugal)
The young and exciting Renato Sanches was exceptional in his first ever start at the European Championships. He became the youngest player to start in the Championships, breaking the record of fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo.
33 minutes later, the new Bayern Munich signing became the youngest player to score in the tournament as his deflected effort went past the diving Fabianski. His energy and strength swung the midfield battle in favour of Portugal.
He had an impressive 95% pass completion rate, made 8 ball recoveries and delivered dangerous balls twelve times into the attacking third. Using his pace and agility, Sanches dribbled past his opponents with ease and was a menace in the heart of the midfield. The youngster will be crucial for his team against Wales in the semi-finals.
