As Euro 2008 draws to a close, we all have our own thoughts about who have been the stars, and who have been the flops. On the eve of the final, here are my teams of the tournament:
Best
Manager: Fatih Terim (Turkey) Ordinary players + injury problems + suspensions should equal early exit, but thanks to Terim's tactical nous and ability to bring the best from his whole squad, Turkey very nearly went all the way. Aragones or Low will get their hands on the trophy, but Terim was the star of the show.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) With no Cannavaro, the Italy defence did not give him much protection, but Buffon showed why he is the best in the world. He made the brilliant penalty save against Romania, and was a calming influence throughout. Italy had a poor tournament, but it could have been so much worse without Buffon.
Right Back: Aleksandr Anyukov (Russia) The Zenit star raided to great effect for the free-flowing Russians. He was quiet in a poor team display against Spain, but still the most complete right-back in the tournament.
Left Back: Yuri Zhirkov (Russia) Played as virtually a left-winger, this Ricardo Carvalho lookalike proved a class act. Skillful and quick, a constant menace to any right side of a defence.
Centre Back: Carlos Marchena (Spain) Tough tackler had a difficult season with Valencia and many were questioning his inclusion alongside Puyol, but he has grown as the tournament has gone on, and question marks over the Spanish defence have fallen away.
Centre Back: Josip Simunic (Croatia) Once famously yellow carded three times by Graham Poll, this experienced defender was the rock on which Croatia were built. Quietly and confidently went about his business.
Right Wing: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) Left out in the first game, and sent off in the second, Schweinsteiger didn't have the best start to Euro 2008. By the knock-out stages though he has been a key player, scoring once and setting up two more against Portugal, and finding the net again against Turkey. Can play either side.
Left Wing: David Silva (Spain) This little box of tricks is dangerous on either flank and possesses a great left-foot. At just 22 years old, the kid will be a superstar.
Holding Midfield: Marcos Senna (Spain) Born in Brazil, and obviously a fan of Dunga and Mauro Silva. He keeps it simple and possesses outstanding positioning, tackling, and passing. Without him the Spanish defence would not be nearly as secure.
Attacking Midfield: Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) They may have bottled it as usual, but you have to have a Dutch player in your team of the tournament. Sneijder was sensational in the first two matches, including two brilliant goals.
Striker: Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia)
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