Starting XI - Casillas, J.Pereira, Hummels, Ramos, J.Alba, Iniesta, Moutinho, Pirlo, Xavi, Ronaldo, Balotelli
Subs - Patricio, Pique, Coentrao, Ozil, Gerrard, Fabregas, Gomez
Iker Casillas - The most consistent keeper at the championships. He conceded only 1 goal throughout the whole Tournament, with help from the Spanish defence and expelled class and organisation from the back of the Spanish tournament winning side. Capping the tournament with his 100th International win shows the sheer class of this man.
Joao Pereira - Closely run by Federico Balzaretti, We have chosen the Portugal star on his way to Valencia in the new season. Pereira has a fantastic tournament. He was a constant threat up the Portuguese right flant, suplementing Nani is his attacks. Added to this was his competence in defence and good positional awareness making him our obvious selection.
Mats Hummels - A number of players could have been given this spot, however, despite an under par final game, we give the slot to Hummels. He had a strong tournament, being a calm presence in a sometimes hectic German defence. Often not helped by the positional flaws of Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng, Hummels had to hold the defence together with Philipp Lahm and did so well.
Sergio Ramos - Ramos had a sumptuous tournament. From his defensive prowess and power, to his attacking flair and penalty taking class. It had it all. He even threw in a few powerful attempts on goal from long range free kicks, that didnt go too far past the target. You got the impression he would feel at home virtually anywhere on the pitch.
Jordi Alba - Possibly the find of the tournament. He came in as a small time player in the Spanish squad of Galacticos and blossomed into a big name, thanks in no part to his timely transfer to Barcelona. Solid in defence (conceding 1 goal) and dazzling in attack, he had an all round game. This was summarised by his goal to make it 2-0 in the final.
Andres Iniesta - The layer of the tournment, beating Pirlo overall. Spain's midfield maestro continues to rule Europe. His passing accuracy, flair and creativity was rivalled maybe only by his team mate Xavi and the Italian's Pirlo. Repeatedly picking out eye of a needle passes that changed games. Another great set of games for the 28 year old. He will feature at the World Cup of 2014.
Joao Moutinho - Another lesser recognised player with a good tournament. Moutinho often ran the Portuguese midfield with a passing style similar to that of his Spanish neighbours. He created a couple of goals and had a hand in more.
Andrea Pirlo - Close to the player of the Tournament. Until the final, not one team could get near him, he had the freeom of the pitch and used it to great success. Teams often failed to close his space, meaning he passed and dplayed teams to death. A quiet final against Spain wasn't enough to put his place in jeopardy. His tournament was summarised by his goal from a free kick during the Croatia game.
Xavi - The partner in crime to Andres Iniesta joins his Amigo in our team. He is still one of the greatest midfielders in the world and showed this throughout the championships. His two assists in the Final itself were possibly enough to secure his place, such was the quality, however, he was good in each game, rarely making mistakes and often passing sides until they became too tired to resist. His appearance at World Cup 2014 will depend largely on his fitness over the next 2 years.
Cristiano Ronaldo - After a quiet start by his standards, his championships came to life and he ended at the joint top scorer with 3 goals. He clearly showed his ability to win a game by himself, at times looking like Portugal's only goal scoring threat just as others such as Hugo Almeida floundered. Even his lack of a penalty in the Semi Final is not enough to lose him his place in the side.
Mario Balotelli - This is by far the most controversial choice. However, we believe it is justified, as not only did Mario score the goals, he also played with passion and commitment, often something not associated with the Manchester City star. His work rate in most of Italy's games improved tenfold from his Premier League performances and he lit up the Semi Final against Germany with two world class finishes. His commitment to the team was plain to see, and for these reasons, he makes our team
Subs -
Patricio - made some fantastic saves, only beaten by Casillas' near perfect record.
Pique - pipped to the post by Hummels but had a very good tournament.
Coentrao - good in defence and pacy in attack only beaten by the brilliance of Alba
Ozil - good tournament in the main however went missing on some vital ocasions (Semi Final)
Gerrard - England's best player and made numerous assists, didn't progess far enough
Fabregas - beaten to the starting team by his own compatriots
Gomez - scored goals, but contributed little else in terms of a defensive effort or teamwork.
Special Mentions (for consideration) - Neuer, Piszczek, Pepe, Arbeloa, Balzaretti, Lahm, Lescott, Modric, Schweinsteiger, Alonso, Montolivo, Marchisio, De Rossi, Blaszczykowski, Dzagoev, Ibrahimovic, Lewandowski
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