Tags
Andrea Pirlo, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Euro 2012 All-Tournament Team, Iker Casillas, Jordi Alba, Mario Balotelli, Mesut Ozil, Pepe, Sami Khedira, Sergio Ramos
It was a fantastic tournament and Spain showed it’s dominance over the rest of the Europe. This All-Tournament team reflect that fact. Going with a 3-4-3 formation to maximize attackers.
Goalie: Iker Casillas, Spain
Casillas was the anchor at the best for a team that allowed only one goal the entire tournament. He was always calm in big moments and provided the leadership for the team. A true captain
Defense: Jordi Alba, Spain.
He scored in the final with a finish worthy of a big-money striker. He was constantly dangerous attack from the left side and always shut down his opponent on defense.
Defense: Sergio Ramos, Spain
He moved to center back from right back during his club season with Real Madrid. He flourished in this new spot with the national team as well. He has exceptional speed and his positioning and timing is perfect. He is quickly becoming one of the best center backs in the world.
Defense: Pepe, Portugal
The third Real Madrid players on this team. I considered Mats Hummels for this spot but he was torched in the semifinal match by Mario Balotelli. Also Germany let in too many goals. Portugal’s run to the semifinals was built on the back of a strong defense. Often Pepe can be reckless with his tackles. This time he played strong and smart. He won his battle in every match.
Center Midfield: Andrea Pirlo, Italy
Pirlo is the only Non-Spain player worthy to be considered for player of the tournament. He was instrumental in the Italian run to the final. He controlled the tempo and moved the defense with his sharp passes. He’s also one of the best players to watch. Many fans and writers say he’s an artist with the ball.
Center Midfield: Sami Khedira, Germany
He was involved much more in the attack during Euro 2012 compared to his previous national team appearances. Normally a defensive midfielder, he scored the game-winner vs Greece with a beautifully timed volley that rocked the back of the net. He was also important in stifling opposing attacks.
Attacking Midfield: Andres Iniesta, Spain
He’s the model for what Spanish soccer is right now. A hybrid midfield and attacking player who is calm on the ball, has great vision, and makes aggressive runs in the box that opens up the defense. Iniesta can do it all. One of the best of his generation.
Attacking Midfield: Mesut Ozil, Germany
The conductor of the German attack. He plays a bit in the Spanish mold. Quick feet, sharp vision, good dribbling skills. He did have some weak shots that could have been goals. However, anything that Germany did well went through Ozil on offense.
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Portugal’s game was all about the counter attack. It was the speed of Ronaldo that helped create goal-scoring opportunities. He always showed his ability to find the ball in the air. His game-winner against the Czech Republic came off a cross he headed in.
Forward: Mario Balotelli, Italy.
He was the reason Italy knocked off Germany in the semifinals. He’s overwhelming physically with soft feet and a good first touch. When he’s on his game, Balotelli can play like the best forward in the world.
Forward: Cesc Fabregas, Spain
This is the tournament where much of the world was introduced to the “false nine.” It’s really just a midfielder who plays higher up on the field but can drop back and interchange with other players. Fabregas perfected this. He scored two goals in the tournament and assisted on the opening goal in the final.