World Football: My Euro 2008 Awards

Salaar Shamsi by Senior Writer Written on June 29, 2008
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There you go! Spain are the champions of Europe for the first time since 1964. Just like I had predicted in our round table discussion on 17th June.

After the end of Euro 2008, I thought I'd create my awards for the tournament, feel free to comment on them.

 

Manager of the Tournament: Fatih Terim (Turkey)

While I also considered Guus Hiddink, Luis Aragones and Joachim Loew, I chose Fatih Terim purely due to his "never say die" attitude. He inspired Turkey to a couple of historic comebacks that will live long in the memory of all football fans.

A passionate manager, who can hold his nerve and make the necessary changes when needed, Fatih Terim is Euro 2008's best manager.


Goal Keeper of the Tournament: Iker Casillas (Spain)

The Real Madrid man takes over Lehmann and Akinfeev to land this award. Casillas has been a remarkably consistent performer during the Euro 2008 Championships.

He held his nerve to ensure Spain take the glory home.

 

Defender of the Tournament: Carlos Puyol (Spain)

Concentration is a vital part of Puyol's game and luckily for Spain it lasted throughout the tournament.

A seasoned campaigner, the Barca skipper brought all his experience to good use during the championships as he was always in the right place when Spain needed him.


Midfielder of the Tournament: Michael Ballack (Germany)

The most unfortunate man in world football? He could be jinxed as well but Ballack was a revelation throughout the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

Ever present in the German attack and handy in defense when needed, Ballack played a prominent role in Germany's run in to the final in Wein.


The Silent Assasin: Marcos Senna (Spain)

They never get recognized, they do the dirty work, they work tirelessly hard but nobody ever notices them.

Marcos Senna was Euro 2008's silent assasin. A hunting dog in central midfield who provided the perfect foil to the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas.

If not for Senna, Spain would have found it harder to get to the final.


Striker of the Tournament: David Villa (Spain)

Yes, he missed the final but David Villa was the tournament's highest goal scorer and he had a wonderful tournament up to the semi finals.

A defender's nightmare is what David Villa was and he is the striker of the tournament.


Surprise Package of the Tournament (Player): Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

I have to say, Schweinsteiger just nicked this award from the grasp of Russia's Arshavin.

Arshavin was the favourite had it not been for this Bayern Munich midfielder.

Whether it's cutting in from the flanks to nick a goal or going out wide to create one or simply whipping in unstoppable cross, Schweinsteiger has been absolutely incredible.

 

Surprise Package of the Tournament (Team): (Turkey)

Russia were the other only contenders but even Guus Hiddink's magical boys couldn't match up to the comeback kings.

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written on June 29, 2008 Rankings/List

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