RW. Arda Turan (Turkey) - the new star of Turkish football, a constant danger, scored a couple too.
CM. Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) - On course to be player of the tournament after the first two games, when he was a stand-out in Holland's magnificent group victories against Italy and France. HM: Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta (all Spain), Modric (Croatia), Deco (Portugal),
CM. Andrei Arshavin (Russia) - Missed the first two games due to suspension, but was so good on returning against Sweden and particularly the Netherlands that he instantly became Europe's hottest property. Super-rich teams like Chelsea, Inter Milan and Barcelona are now set to battle for his £20m signature. Disappointing in the semi-final against Spain.
CM. Marcos Senna (Spain) - The so-called 'Makelele role' should be renamed the 'Senna role' now. The Brazilian midfielder intercepted everything and was the main reason creative players like Cassano, Arshavin, and Ballack were quiet against the Spanish.
LW. Lukas Podolski (Germany) - Germany's best player. Scored three goals and assisted a few too from the left flank.
ST. David Villa (Spain) - who else but the top scorer? HM: Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Nihat, Semih Senturk (both Turkey), Torres (Spain).
The end of a major International football tournament, like one minute past midnight on December 26th, is a very sad time for me: because it's the longest possible time until the next one. You mean we have to wait two whole years for the next World Cup? I don't know how I'll cope. But if it's as good as Euro 2008, it'll be worth the wait.
Article comments
1 - Sunee
It was a well deserved victory over Germany in which the Spaniards displayed speed, tactics and world-class skills. Football at it's best.
2 - Alessandro
Great work there, Ally. It was fun.
Well see about Arshavin...how many times have we seen players take tournaments by storm only to not live up to the promise later in the grind of league play.
I'm not sure I'd throw Torres' goal in there, sure he did well to get to the ball and spot the ball nicely into the net...but really Lahm was semi-pathetic on the play.
Chiellini: and a star is born indeed.
Senna. For my money, the player of the tournament. Juve is said to be going after him.
3 - Irfan
I missed the final match between Spain and Germany but after hearing that spain won the match I was so pleased. They played very well througout the tournament and they deserved it. I wish them great success in future.