Euro 2016:Best of the Group Stage
With the group stages over and 8 teams already on the flight home there have certainly been a lot of tremendous performances by different players to seal a berth for their countries in the knockout stages and keep the dream alive. There have certainly been some shock performances at the tournament with the likes of Wales, Croatia, Hungary and Switzerland emerging as dark horses to challenge the big sides. Below we take a look at the best performances and the team of the Groups Stage!!!
Goalkeeper: Michael McGovern (Northern Ireland)
Michael McGovern made some crucial saves to limit the Goal Difference against Germany.
I think its fair to say that Northern Ireland's fairy tale debut at the Euros was only possible because of their goalkeeper. It is thanks to his heroics that they qualified for the knockout stages. He put in excellent performances in all 3 games as the Irish sat back and faced a barrage of attacks. It was his saves against Germany that limited the Goal Difference and made sure they qualified ahead of Turkey.
Right Back: Darijo Srna (Croatia)
The Croatian captain in action against Turkey
The Croatian captain took some time off after his fathers untimely demise after Croatia's opening win against Turkey however he was back at his brilliant best against Czech Republic, expertly marshaling his troops and playing a true captains role. He was a constant menace as when Croatia scored a last gasp winner to clinch top spot by beating reigning champions Spain and he will be hoping they can live up to their tag as the dark horses of the tournament.
Center Back- Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
The Ball Playing Center Back has caught they eye so far this summer with his Pirlo-like distribution.
Who needs Pirlo when you have Bonucci? That certainly was the case when he set up Italy's first goal by playing an excellent 40-yard pass over the top of the Belgian defense by spotting Giacherrini's intelligent run. The ball playing defender has been the heart of Italy's solid back line that is the meanest in the tournament. The expectations were low for the Azzuri but they silenced their critics when they picked apart Belgium in the opening match. He was colossal and marshaled the defense against Sweden by keeping Ibrahimovic out!
Center Back- Michael Pazdan (Poland)
Pazdan was instrumental in keeping Germany at bay and holding them to a 0-0 draw.
Poland picked up 3 consecutive clean sheets en route to qualification and it was crucial as they struggled to score goals and Pazdan was at the heart of that solid backline. Keeping the current world champions out of their goal was a brilliant feat and Pazdan and co. will be hoping to replicate that further in the tournament.
Left Back- Jonas Hector (Germany)
Hector solved Germany's left back conundrum by being solid in their games.
He is the only left-back at Euro 2016 to have kept 3 clean sheets and he is Germany's only regular starter who was not aprt of their famous triumph 2 year ago. The Koln defender has slotted right into the German backline and expertly kept the right winger of Ukraine, Poland and Northern Ireland quiet.
Center Midfield- Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)
Xhaka has proved why Arsenal signed him for next season with a string of impressive performances.
Switzerland were far from extravagant as they scraped a win against Albania while drawing with France and Romania- Granit Xhaka was excellent throughout. Only Toni Kroos completed more passes than him in the Group Stages. He was magnificent at the base of midfield and anchored the side expertly.
Center Midfield- Marek Hamsik (Slovakia)
Hamsik celebrates scoring a screamer against Russia
He put in one of the best solo performances of the tournament against Russia by tearing their defense apart on the counter and getting a goal and assist for his efforts. The heroics of the Napoli midfielder has carried them through and the hopes of a nation rest on his shoulders going forward.
Center Midfield- Andres Iniesta (Spain)
The veteran shred Czech Republic to shreds!
The industrious midfielder was at his industrious best in both Spain's opening games. Even in their defeat to Croatia he showed poise and phenomenal passing. He was a true leader in midfield and La Roja's hopes are pinned on him. Who knows, he might score another late winner?
Left Wing- Dimitri Payet
He has been in sensational form while others have underperformed for les bleus
He was the nations hero against Romania with an audacious last minute winner and also scored a stoppage time goal against Albania to put the game beyond the debutants. His impact has beenn immense with 2 goals and 1 assist. He has been even more pivotal as some of France's more celebrated stars have failed to shine he has carried the team on his shoulders. Early contender for Goal of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament.
Right Wing- Gareth Bale (Wales)
Bale scored a wonder goal in their match against England with a long Free Kick
The worlds most expensive signing is the only player to score a goal in all 3 group games and cemented his legendary status by leading Wales to the knockout stages as Group Winners. He is one of the few superstars who has lived up to expectations and his free-kicks have been a standout for the tournament and only time will tell if he can lead Wales to victory.
Striker- Alvaro Morata (Spain)
Morata maybe a permanent solution for Spain as their long sought after Striker
He had a dreadful performance in the first game but came back strongly against Turkey by scoring 2 goals either side of half time to silence the youngsters doubters. He also scored against Croatia repaying Del Bosque's faith in him and he is an early contender for the Golden Boot is Spain go deep into the tournament. He will have a tough time against Chiellini and co. in the next round though!
Honourable Mentions-
Toni Kroos has been like a general for Germnay in the middle of the park completing the most number of passes in the tournament so far and dictating the pace and tempo of the game.
Aaron Ramsey has been a standout player for Wales and if not for Bale he would be the man on everyones lips. He has notched up 2 assists along with a goal in the demolition of Russia and been instrumental in the middle of the park for the Welsh.
Romelu Lukaku, the big Belgian Number 9 was impressive against Ireland by scoring a sensational finesse shot from the edge of the box and another to give Belgium a healthy victory.
Those are my best performances from the Group Stages and hopefully they can keep this up. Comment and Vote your best player and don't forget to Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed the content. :)
-Zorawar
