Euro 2012 Quarterfinals: Picking a Best XI from the 8 Teams

With the Euro quarterfinals in the book, it's time to name the best XI.

Ideally, every country would have a representative. Unfortunately, not all of the teams played well enough to earn a spot on this team. These players were a cut above the rest.

For the formation, I chose the standard 4-2-3-1. Some of the players will be slightly out of position to fit the formation, but all of them are more than capable of fitting their spots.

GK: Gigi Buffon, Italy

Gigi Buffon was exceptional in the Italian goal.

He saved the few shots he needed to save, including a ridiculous reaction save against Glen Johnson. After that point-blank save, Buffon wasn't really needed until the shootout.

He made the save to essentially win the match by diving low and to his left against Ashley Cole. Cole's hesitation didn't fool Buffon, and the Italian keeper made a spectacular save.

Once again, Buffon proved why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

LB: Philipp Lahm, Germany

Philipp Lahm has done everything a captain should do.

He's defended well, and he's essentially locked down the left side of Germany's defense. Then, in the quarterfinal, he opened the scoring with a very nice goal in the 39th minute.

Germany's attacking players are probably the best in the tournament. The front four can score at will, and teams are (rightfully) scared facing them. When a defender comes forward and scores, Germany becomes unbeatable.

CB: Sergio Ramos, Spain

Remember when Sergio Ramos was one of the best right-backs in the world?

Yeah, well, now he's one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Ramos is having a great tournament, and he was great against France. Granted, France's attack had no composure, and the entire team looked scared of Spain. With Ramos playing as well as he has, though, it probably wouldn't have mattered.

CB: Joleon Lescott, England

Joleon Lescott was great for England.

He made a few clutch tackles, but it was his blocking that was top-notch. Each time an Italian lined up a shot, Lescott was there to knock it down. John Terry didn't have a great game, but Lescott was a great partner in the back.

Even though England lost in penalties, Lescott was a huge reason they held a clean sheet for 120 minutes.

RB: Glen Johnson, England

Glen Johnson played pretty well for England against Italy.

He moved forward well, and he was one of the best players on the pitch in the first half. In the second half, he stayed back a little more, and he was busy defending the Italian onslaught.

Johnson defended well, and he did a good job of closing down the right side for England. If he would've been able to bury his shot early on, or if Rooney finished Johnson's wonderful cross, there's a good chance the Liverpool right-back would've been the man of the match.

LDM: Xabi Alonso, Spain

Xabi Alonso was the second-best player in the quarterfinals (we'll get to the best).

He linked the Spain midfield together as well as he's ever done. He supported the attacking players well, and he helped switch the fields as Spain lulled France to sleep.

Additionally, he had two clinical finishes. His open header was a thing of beauty. Then he buried his penalty as cool as you'd like. With Alonso playing like this, Spain will be incredibly tough to beat.

RDM: Andrea Pirlo, Italy

Andrea Pirlo took England to school.

His play in the midfield was incredible, and he absolutely dominated Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard. He switched fields at will, and his long balls were spot on.

Then, in penalties, he took one of the filthiest penalties I've ever seen. With Joe Hart lunging to his right, Pirlo put a tiny little chip right down the middle as Hart watched it cross the line in angst.

Pirlo's penalty was a perfect example of how the game went. He was cool and collected; England was just trying to guess what he would do.

LAM: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has had a tremendous tournament.

He scored a late winner for Portugal, and he helped set up an Iberian derby for the semifinals. He's led Portugal this far, and if he continues to play this well, he could bring Portugal a trophy.

The Czech Republic just couldn't quite contain Ronaldo, but Spain will have more of an answer for him. Ronaldo must play a great game to advance. We'll see if he gets it done.

CAM: Mesut Ozil, Germany

Mesut Ozil has been the best player in the tournament.

He's the engine that makes Germany's attack run, and his passing is sublime. It feels like Germany will score every time Ozil touches the ball. He's an incredibly dangerous player, and he's in top form.

Ozil was great once again against Greece. He picked up two assists, and he probably could've had more. Germany switched up the attacking players around him, but it didn't matter. Ozil was as great as ever.

He's had a great tournament so far, and you can be sure he will continue to play out of his mind.

RAM: Joao Moutinho, Portugal

Joao Moutinho has been an X-factor for Portugal.

He moves forward well, and he's been a good compliment for Cristiano Ronaldo. With Nani disappearing for 20 minutes at a time, it's nice to have Moutinho being as reliable as he has been.

He played well against the Czech Republic, and he had the lone assist. He's a solid player, and he's exactly what Portugal needs.

ST: Miroslav Klose, Germany

Miroslav Klose is a German legend, and he played well once again.

Mario Gomez played well in the group stage, but Klose knows how to score in major tournaments. He found the net again in the quarterfinal, and Germany looked more dangerous than ever.

With Klose up top, Germany has a new swagger to them. He's an all-time great, and he could very well add to his legend with a Euro title.