HUGO LLORIS (France): France conceded just five goals in seven games, and the Tottenham stopper undoubtedly played a big role in this regard. Against Germany, he made one particularly superb save towards the end of the game, and Lloris also played a captain’s role, offering leadership and solidity at the back. It’s therefore no surprise to hear that he’s being linked with Real Madrid of late.
Jose Fonte (Portugal): Fonte didn’t play any of the group games for Portugal, with Ricardo Carvalho preferred at the back. However, the 32-year-old was brought in following the team’s 3-3 draw with Hungary, and he’s been excellent since then, with Fernando Santos’ side conceding just once in the knockout stages with the Southampton man in the starting XI.
Leonardo Bonucci (Italy): Bonucci was the star of an Italy side that exceeded expectations, knocking out reigning champions Spain and finding themselves just a penalty shootout away from dumping a highly fancied Germany side out. They may have fell short ultimately, but few would blame the Juventus defender for their failure — the Italians conceded just twice throughout the tournament, and it was in attack much more so than at the back where they encountered problems.
Pepe (Portugal): Led the Portugal backline superbly, particularly after the knockout stages when they conceded just once in 450 minutes of football. The Real Madrid centre-back was consequently a contender for player of the tournament.
Aaron Ramsey (Wales): A key player in Wales’ surprise run to the semi-final, Ramsey’s one goal and four assists were key to Chris Coleman’s side’s success, and the Arsenal midfielder was badly missed in the semi-final against Portugal, which he sat out owing to suspension.
Renato Sanches (Portugal): There was plenty of pressure on Renato Sanches going into the tournament, given that Bayern Munich made an initial €35 million deal for his services, which could ultimately amount to €80 million depending on how he does. Yet Sanches has stepped up, looking lively and intelligent in possession throughout the tournament, while scoring the crucial equaliser against Poland. On this evidence, he looks very much the star in the making that he has been portrayed as in recent months.
Nani (Portugal): Captained Portugal to the greatest moment in their history. Nani invariably played with a maturity and composure that will have left some Man United fans rubbing their eyes, while contributing three goals and an assist along the way.
Gareth Bale (Wales): Expected to be Wales’ main man and though he failed to have the required impact in their semi-final with Portugal, Bale largely lived up to expectations, contributing three goals and an assist, while his mere presence in the side seemed to inspire those around him at times.
Antoine Griezmann (France): The star of the these past few weeks, Griezmann has followed up a fine season for Atletico Madrid with six goals at the Euros — becoming the first player since Michel Platini to score more than five at the tournament in the process. More so than any other individual, he has been responsible for France’s success in getting to the final.
Olivier Giroud (France): Often an unfair target of criticism, Giroud has shown good resolve at this tournament. Having been booed by a section of the French support in the lead up to Euro 2016, he proved himself with a series of influential displays. In the Ireland game in particular, the 29-year-old’s power and physicality were key to the French getting back in the game, and with three goals and two assists, he can be happy with his overall output.
Crtistiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Like Messi, Ronaldo is often unfairly accused of ‘never doing it at international level’. Yet the Real Madrid star has now guided Portugal to two Euros finals and has an impressive 61 goals in 132 appearances at international level overall. In France, he has been as crucial as ever to this Portuguese team, keeping them in the tournament with two brilliant goals against Hungary and proving to be the decisive influence in the semi-final win over Wales. And on Sunday night, he was desperately unlucky to miss most of the final, leaving the field injured after 25 minutes.
Subs: Hannes Þór Halldorsson (Iceland), Bacary Sagna (France), Joshua Kimmich (Germany), Laurent Koscielny (France), Cédric Soares (Portugal), Ashley Williams (Wales), Grzegorz Krychowiak (Poland), Joao Mario (Portugal), William Carvalho (Portugal), Blaise Matuidi (France), Dimitri Payet (France), Alvaro Morata (Spain).
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