European Championship 2012: Veterans Who Will Continue to Shine on Massive Stage

After one week of group action at the 2012 UEFA European Championships, it is safe to say we have some idea which players will be true difference-makers for their squad as we move deeper into the tournament. 

Despite seeing a rash of great, young stars take over games, the veterans are having their moments in the spotlight. The matches are going to start getting more intense from now on, as squads attempt to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals, or in some cases, live to fight another day. 

Here are the veterans who have been outstanding thus far, and will keep their impressive play going under the bright lights. 

Manuel Neuer, Germany

Despite playing in the dreaded "Group of Death," the Germans have had no problems through two matches, with victories over Portugal and the Netherlands. 

The biggest key to the success of this squad has been the stellar play of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. While the German defense overall has been outstanding, Neuer has really made them look a lot better by acting as a metaphorical wall. 

Portugal and the Netherlands are as strong on offense as any two teams in this tournament, so Neuer was going to be challenged right off the bat. He has responded beautifully, allowing just one goal through two games. 

Neuer is the key for the Germans in this event, and his stock just keeps moving on up. 

Christian Maggio, Italy

While I am starting to get a little skeptical of Italy's chances to make it out of the group stages—for the record, they sit two points behind Spain and Croatia, with one match remaining against lowly Ireland—Maggio has been a superstar so far. 

Despite not being able to single-handedly carry Italy to victory over Spain, Maggio certainly did his part and made it possible for them to work a tie. He is attacking the ball like few players in this event, and his willingness to do everything should be rubbing off on his teammates. 

Maggio has been as impressive as any player in this tournament. Hopefully his team is able to back him so he can continue to show off his skills past this weekend. 

Andres Iniesta, Spain

Speaking of Spain, Iniesta is showing off right now, and the rest of the Euro field should be put on high-alert as a result. 

Already known as one of the best pure passers in the world, Iniesta seems to have turned his game up to a whole other level for this tournament. He has been so smooth and fluid with the ball at his feet, you could forgive opposing players if their jaws fell to the floor watching him in action. 

Iniesta is the biggest reason Spain has been able to move to the top of Group C, and he is going to be the reason they separate from Croatia in their final group match and progress to the knockout phase. 

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