UEFA Euro 2016 is gradually reaching its climax as the quarter-finals are nearing. The round of 16 saw some exciting encounters with some dramatic finishes which included Poland’s win over Switzerland in the first penalty shootout of the tournament and Portugal’s late winner against Croatia in one of the dullest football games ever seen. It also witnessed the likes of Spain and England being eliminated from the competition. The biggest surprise, however, was Iceland’s 2-1 win over England which is till now the biggest upset of the tournament. The Nordic nation continued their fairy tale and will now take on the hosts in the last eight.
The quarter-final has a number of exciting matchups, including Germany’s battle against Italy and two dark horse clashes between Poland and Portugal and between Wales and Belgium. With the quarter-finals not very far away, let’s take a look at the Best XI from the round of 16Formation: 4-5-1#1. Goalkeeper- Lukasz Fabianski, Poland
The Swansea City custodian replaced Wojciech Szczesny in goal after the latter suffered a thigh injury in Poland’s tournament opener against Northern Ireland. He put up a brilliant goalkeeping display in Poland’s next two group games against Germany and Ukraine and kept two successive clean sheets to help Poland qualify for the knockout stages of the Euros for the first time in their history.Fabianski and Poland finally conceded their first goal in the tournament against Switzerland in the last 16. However, despite this Fabianski was Poland’s hero of the match as he pulled off a string of brilliant saves to deny Switzerland time and again. He saved a brilliantly taken free-kick from Ricardo Rodriguez during regular time and denied Eren Derdiyok from close range during extra time. Poland won the penalty shootout and advanced to the last eight with Granit Xhaka’s missed penalty separating both teams as none of the goalkeepers were able to make a save. However, if it hadn’t been for Fabianski’s heroics, Switzerland would have been the one facing Portugal in the quarter-finals.
#2. DefendersLeft Back- Mattia De Sciglio, Italy
The Milan full-back replaced Antonio Candreva on the left flank in Italy’s final group game against the Republic of Ireland and was given a place in the starting eleven in Italy’s crucial round of 16 match against Spain. The 23-year old played brilliantly on the left flank with his tireless runs down the flank creating a lot of chances for his teammates. His coordination with Giaccherini on the left side of the pitch added depth to the left flank.He spent most of the second half at the back but defended brilliantly, not allowing the Spanish forwards to score goals. De Sciglio was instrumental in Italy keeping a third clean sheet of the tournament and he has definitely cemented his place in the starting eleven. De Sciglio’s presence on the left flank will be a key factor when Italy face World Champions Germany in the quarter-finals.Centre Back- Giorgio Chiellini, Italy
Throughout the group stages, Chiellini formed a formidable partnership with fellow Juventus defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci at central defence, not allowing the opposition to go forward. Chiellini put up a performance of the highest quality in Italy’s 2-0 win over Spain in the last 16.The Juventus centre-back put Italy in front when he hit on the rebound of Eder’s free-kick, scoring his seventh international goal and his first in a major competition. He was physically solid and composed at the back and never allowed the likes of Morata to cause too much trouble. His partnership with Barzagli and Bonucci dubbed as Italy’s BBC was instrumental in preventing the reigning champions from scoring. Chiellini’s marshalling of the Italian backline will be crucial in the quarter-finals against Germany.Centre Back- Jerome Boateng, Germany
Boateng had been one of Germany’s best players in the group stages and was the nucleus of a backline that hadn’t conceded a single goal in the first round. He continued his brilliant form in the competition and perhaps gave his best performance in the tournament so far in Germany’s 3-0 drubbing of Slovakia which took them to the quarter-finals. The Bayern Munich defender scored a thunderous volley from the clearance of a Toni Kroos corner kick to open the scoring for Germany and his first ever goal in national colours. Boateng was phenomenal at the back as he made a number of crucial tackles and interceptions to prevent the likes of Hamsik and Kucka from getting scoring opportunities. Apart from scoring the opener, he set up a number of attacks from the back and helped Germany keep their fourth consecutive clean sheet in the tournament. Boateng has so far arguably been the tournament’s best defender and his performances will be crucial as Germany face an Italian side in the quarter-finals who have been exceptional at the back throughout the tournament.Right Back- Birkir Saevarsson, Iceland
The 31-year old right-back who plies his trade at Swedish club Hammarby, had one of his most embarrassing moments during Iceland’s group game against Hungary where he scored a late own goal which tied the game. However, he put his memories against Hungary behind him as he put in a terrific performance at the back to help Iceland register a surprise 2-1 win over England to advance to the quarter-finals.Saevarsson was brilliant on the right flank and made a number of crucial tackles and interceptions throughout the entirety of the match to deny the likes of Kane and Vardy time and again. His composure in the back helped Iceland register the biggest win in their footballing history. Saevarsson’s performances will be required more than ever as Iceland now face a tougher task against France in the quarter-finals.
#3. MidfieldersCentral Midfielder- Toni Kroos
The Real Madrid midfielder played a crucial role in the middle of the pitch during the group stages and produced another scintillating performance in the last 16 against Slovakia which helped Germany reach the last eight. Kroos delivered the corner which set up Germany’s opening goal scored by Jerome Boateng.He orchestrated the midfield and was ever present in the front and back. He set up a number of attacks and created many chances for his teammates. His magnificent display in the midfield propelled Germany to a 3-0 victory and advance to the quarter-finals where they play Euro 2012 runners-up Italy in a rematch of their meeting in the semi-finals of Euro 2012. Kroos will have to be at the top of his game if Germany are to overcome a resilient Italian side in the last eight.Central Midfielder- Andres Iniesta
Spain’s midfield maestro had a very bitter end to his tournament as the reigning champions were knocked out of the tournament in the round of 16 after a 2-0 loss to Italy. The 2012 Player of the Tournament had a pretty decent tournament overall as he assisted Spain’s winner in Spain’s tournament opener against the Czech Republic and was subsequently awarded the Man of the Match.He produced another Man of the Match performance against Turkey as he set up Spain’s third goal of the match. In Spain’s last 16 clash against Italy, Iniesta was brilliant in the middle of the park but did not receive adequate assistance from his teammates. He created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates and gave the Italians a tough time through his skillful play. Spain might have had a disappointing tournament but Iniesta’s performance was commendable throughout the tournament.Left Winger- Eden Hazard
The Chelsea midfielder was coming to the Euros on the back of a disappointing season with the South London club alongside the added responsibility of Belgium’s captaincy due to the absence of regular skipper Vincent Kompany owing to injury. Hazard had a poor start to the tournament as Belgium lost 2-0 to Italy. However, he improved on his performances in Belgium’s next two group games against Ireland and Sweden; being adjudged the Man of the Match in the latter.Hazard produced his best performance of the tournament in Belgium’s round of 16 clash against Hungary. Hazard was brilliant on the left flank and was continuously creating chances for his teammates during the first half. In the second half, Hazard assisted Belgium’s second goal which was scored by Michy Batshuayi and scored the third himself before being subbed off. Hazard won a second Man of the Match award for his performances. Hazard has had the most number of assists in the tournament so far and his form will be crucial as Belgium now face a gritty Welsh team in the last eight.Attacking Midfielder- Kevin De Bruyne
After a poor showing in Belgium’s opening match against Italy, the Manchester City attacking midfielder redeemed himself by playing some dazzling football in Belgium’s remaining group matches. His tireless runs and precise passing baffled the opposition time and again.Against Hungary, De Bruyne was a big goal threat throughout the match as he had several attempts on goal, forcing a number of saves from Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly. He created a number of scoring opportunities throughout the match and provided the free-kick which led to Toby Alderweireld heading in the opener in an eventual 4-0 win for Belgium. De Bruyne has been in terrific form so far and his presence will be crucial for Belgium to overcome Wales in the quarter-finals.Right Winger- Julian Draxler
The Wolfsburg winger did not have a very good outing during the group stages and was benched in Germany’s final group game against Northern Ireland. He returned to the playing XI in Germany’s round of 16 clash against Slovakia and put up an impressive display in an eventual 3-0 win for Germany.Draxler began the match brightly, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates and then provided the assist for Germany’s second goal scored by Mario Gomez. Draxler made his day better by scoring Germany’s third goal of the match. Draxler was adjudged the Man of the Match for his performances and his performances on the wing will be important for Germany as they take on Italy in the quarter-finals.
#4. Centre Forward- Antoine Griezmann
The Atletico Madrid striker had a disappointing outing in France’s tournament opener against Romania before coming off the bench to head France’s opening goal in a 2-0 win over Albania. Griezmann couldn’t find the net against Switzerland but maintained his place in the starting XI in France’s round of 16 game against the Republic of Ireland.France got off to a poor start against the Irish as they conceded an early penalty which was converted by Shane Long. Griezmann created a number of chances and had a number of shots on goal but could neither find the net nor did his teammates capitalize on the chances created by him.The 25-year old equalized for the hosts in the 58th minute by heading in Bacary Sagna’s cross before giving France the lead in the 61st minute. France won 2-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals with Griezmann being adjudged the Man of the Match for his brace. Griezmann is currently tied with Gareth Bale and Alvaro Morata as the top scorer of the tournament with three goals and if he can maintain his consistency then he could well become the tournament’s top scorer.
