Euro 2016 has gone up a few a gears in the knockout stages, with many dramatic ties marked by some fine individual performances. Here we have picked is what we believe is the best XI from the last 16.
GK: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
WHEN DECIDING WHO is currently the best goalkeeper in the world, the conversation tends to lean towards David De Gea and Manuel Neuer, but the Italian can certainly feel his form is just as good as the aforementioned.
The 38-year-old, who has won 159 caps for Italy, has shown during this tournament that he still has all the attributes required to be considered one of the world’s best, by making vital saves at important times, no more so when he denied Spain a dramatic equaliser by blocking Gerard Pique’s goal-bound effort in the Stade de France.
His leadership skills on and off the pitch will be an essential part to an Italian success in the coming weeks.
CB: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
It spoke volumes for how much Italy manager Antonio Conte trusts and values the Juventus defender, when he chose to start the 29-year-old against Ireland, despite Bonucci having a yellow card and carrying the risk of suspension, in what was a dead rubber for the Azzurri.
But Bonucci was once again commanding in the heart of the Italian defence against Spain, and his game intelligence makes him stand out as one of the players of the tournament.
CB: Ragnar Sigurdsson (Iceland)
The backbone of the Icelandic team that are the tournament’s surprise package.
Sigurdsson’s performance contained a lot of qualities that were lacking in the English side; heart, desire and a never-say-die attitude to ensure his side made the last eight.
The 30-year-old who plays his club football in Russia with Krasnodar, also scored the shock equaliser just 60 seconds after England took the lead. And he very nearly wrapped up the victory for his side, but his spectacular overhead kick was saved by Joe Hart.
CB: Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)
The 31-year-old’s seventh goal for his country was no doubt his most important, as Italy finally converted their domination against Spain into a deserved lead.
The Juventus defender maintained his high standards at the back, as Spain struggled to break through the blue wall.
CM: Aron Gunnarsson (Iceland)
The Iceland captain led by example in what was a historic night for his country.
The Cardiff City midfielder was disciplined in his role, as he acted as a shield for his defence, and he harassed and harried the English forwards, who struggled to impose themselves on the game.
His Rory Delap-esque delivery from long throws paved the way for Iceland’s equaliser and will be a weapon he will use again when Iceland face France on Sunday evening.
CM: William Carvalho (Portugal)
The 24-year-old put in a strong, robust performance against Croatia, in what was the most dour match of the round, but that won’t bother Carvalho who carried out his role perfectly in Lens on Saturday night.
The defensive-midfielder has been linked with a host of several top clubs, with his future increasingly looking like it lies away from Sporting Lisbon, and based on this performance it is easy to see why.
RM: Antoine Griezmann (France)
Not at his best at the start of the competition, the Atletico Madrid forward saved his side from what would have been regarded as a premature exit from the tournament.
A lacklustre first-half performance from the hosts was followed by an energetic attacking display in the second, as Ireland began to wilt in the heat in Lyon, as the requirement to play two huge matches in a short time frame proved too much for the Boys in Green.
In truth, Griezmann could have scored more than two by the end, but he was denied by Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph on several occasions, while a last-ditch foul by Shane Duffy prevented the 25-year-old from completing his hat-trick.
CAM: Eden Hazard (Belgium)
Belgium look like they are beginning to click after a disappointing opening performance against Italy, and with Hazard in form, the Red Devils will always be in contention of winning the tournament.
Hazard played with freedom against Hungary, as the Chelsea attacker began to make his mark in the tournament, providing an assist and a goal as Belgium breezed into the next round.
The 25-year-old will earn his 70th cap against Wales in the quarter-final, and if he can replicate this performance, Chris Coleman’s side face an even more daunting task.
LM: Julian Draxler (Germany)
The highly-rated 22-year-old put a fine attacking display against Slovakia, as he dribbled his way through the opponent’s defence. It was the type of performance that has been lacking from the continent’s best forwards in this competition.
The Wolfsburg man capped a fantastic individual performance with an assist and a goal of his own in the last-16 tie, as he once again demonstrated why he is one of Europe’s hottest properties.
CF: Graziano Pelle (Italy)
The Southampton forward may not have grabbed as many headlines as his teammates, but he has been the vocal point of the Italian attack in France.
The 30-year-old scored Italy’s second goal against Spain that his performance thoroughly deserved.
CF: Mario Gomez (Germany)
Not the most naturally gifted forward in the tournament, but his presence in the German team gives Joachim Low’s side a whole new dimension. Gomez demonstrated that he can hold the ball up and get on the end of crosses better than any other striker in the Germany squad.
The 30-year-old took his goal well against Slovakia, his second in three games, and should again start against Italy on Saturday night in what promises to be the tie of the round.
Do you agree? Let us know who you think in the comments section below.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!