Drama, joy, ecstasy, heartbreak, history and pure limbs.
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The Euro 2020 round of 16 years had it all.
From Denmark’s lively, emotional thumping of Wales and Belgium’s nail-biting victory over Portugal, to France’s shock defeat against Switzerland and England’s historic battle of Germany – the last 16 years have given spectators all the emotions available to man; it was football at its best – and the worst.
But in a round of matches so filled with action, who stood out for their sides? Well, here is the team in the Euro 2020 round 16.
Cesar Azpilicueta scored his first international goal against Croatia / Pixsell / MB Media / Getty Images
Jordan Pickford (GK) – Another fantastic achievement in an England shirt. He may have his doubts, but after a serious fight against Germany, it becomes harder and harder to see why. From point distribution to warning shot stoppage, he was massive in the three lions’ victory.Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) – The match between Spain and Croatia may have been the highest scoring game at the European Championships since the competition’s first match ever, but Azpilicueta’s leadership and mentality get him to this team. He was a big part of Spain’s never-say-die attitude during the 5-3 overtime win, and grabbed his first international goal to make it 2-1 to his side.
Tomas Kalas (CB) – An unwavering object in the Czech Republic’s shock 2-0 victory over the Netherlands, Bristol City’s Kalas put his body on the line on several occasions to deny the Dutch, as well as to celebrate brilliantly to help his team first. Harry Maguire (CB) – Another stoic performance in this back line. Maguire was up in the fight from the first whistle and was frankly scary to watch even behind a TV screen – no wonder Thomas Muller and co did not get any pleasure from him. A fantastic leader’s achievement that does everything for the team. Joakim Maehle (LB) – A perfect wingback display during his side’s 4-0 trashing of Wales, defends the solid, stifling quality of Gareth Bale while providing creative quality at the top. Had some to play in Denmark’s opener and finished wonderfully to make it 3-0 in what was a fitting and fighting tribute to Christian Eriksen.
“Please, we can start putting more respect on Raheem Sterling’s name. Please.” @ Rioferdy5 was VERY impressed with Sterling’s performance against Germany!
Highlights ⤵ # bbceuro2020 # ENGGER
Today’s match (@BBCMOTD) June 29, 2021
Granit Xhaka (DM) – Who are you and what have you done with the real Granit Xhaka? Full control over the vast majority of his side’s giant-killing victory over France. Dominated in the heart of the Swiss midfield, closes off the paths of the French forward line and midfield, while squirting the most wonderful balls in the teammates. A commanding show to inspire his side to the last eight.
Paul Pogba (CM) – It has been a difficult Euro 2020 look for the French, but Pogba has been colossal. Another world-class individual display puts him in this midfield, he produced bold and lavish creative contributions while noting a breathtaking strike to put France 3-1 up in the second half – and then everything fell apart.Oleksandr Zinchenko (CM) – Zinchenko can play literally anywhere and showed it with a man in the match’s performance on the left back when Ukraine beat Sweden 2-1 in the most dramatic way. The Manchester City man’s pure half volley put his nation ahead in the first half before his exact post found Artem Dovbyk on his way home in the 120th minute – what about endurance? Raheem Sterling (AM) – England’s hero in Euro 2020 so far. Sterling showed an intelligent and tireless display against the Germans, constantly picking up space pockets, driving forward with the ball, pulling his opposition out of position, spurring the three lions on and finally scoring another goal for his country at this European Championship. His opening goal in the 75th minute sent Wembley to crush and helped fire England to a first knockout victory over Germany in a major tournament since the 1966 final.
It’s the best touch you’ll see in a very long time?
Euro 2020: Has Karim Benzema COME? #FRASUI | #ITVFotboll | # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/GoCSaxkqT0
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 28, 2021
Kasper Dolberg (ST) – After a difficult domestic season 2020/21, Dolberg announced himself to Euro 2020 with a bright and dangerous show against Wales. His first goal was a sensational form of strike outside the area to give his side the lead, while his stay came with a vigilant, clinical finish to virtually confirm his nation’s passage to the final eight. Karim Benzema (ST) – Like Pogba, Benzema did not let the fact that France was largely rubbish distract him from his pure quality. After a stay against Portugal, the Real Madrid star beat two more in the heartbreaking defeat against Switzerland. His second will not be remembered so much for goals but rather for some sublime build-up game, but his first was simply genius. He turned the tie on its head, but could not save Les Bleus from a possible 5-4 loss on penalties.
