Euro 2012 takes a well-earned break tonight after a pulsating 12 nights of group stage action which has seen 60 goals scored in the 24 matches to date.
With the quarter-finals getting underway on Thursday night with Portugal taking on Czech Republic, Sport360° takes a breather to look back on the action that has gone before us.
Our writers pick out their Game, Goal and Player of the Tournament so far. But do they match up with your selections?
PAUL MCDAID
Game – Denmark 2-3 Portugal
It was the Portuguese who went 2-0 up with a goal each from Pepe and Postiga. However, the resilient Danes got themselves back into the game with a goal either side of the half time break from Nicklas Bendtner.
The game was remembered for a series of missed opportunities from Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo but his blushes were spared by teammate Varela who scored a stunning goal in the 87th minute to hand Portugal the victory.
Goal – Jakub Blaszczykowski (Poland v Russia)
Poland playing Russia in Poland on Russia Day was always going to be highly charged affair with no country daring to lose. Though Poland now find themselves out of the tournament, Jacub Blaszczykowski’s equalizing goal will live long in the memory of Polish fans.
Receiving a pass down the touchline, Blaszczykowski’s fantastic touch took the ball past Yuri Zhirkov and from the edge of the penalty box the Polish captain smashed a sweet strike past the helpless Malafeev. As he passionately celebrated the elation of the fans was clear to see and was one of the tournaments magic moments.
Player- Mario Gomez (Germany)
It is often easy and unimaginative to choose a top goal-scorer as the best player but Mario Gomez’s consistency and vital goals have ensured that Germany progressed from the group stages with a 100 per cent record.
Gomez had a lot to live up to when he was chosen to start ahead of Miroslav Klose. Klose has a fantastic record in international tournaments and doubts were cast over Gomez’s ability in big games following his poor showing in the Champions League Final.
A perfectly placed header proved to be the winner against Portugal and two goals versus Holland, including a fantastic turn and finish, put the Germans in the Group B driving seat. With three goals from his four shots on target, Gomez is proving to be deadly in this tournament.
JON TURNER
Game – Portugal 2-1 Holland
A pulsating end-to-end game of football that saw Europe’s finest player in Cristiano Ronaldo finally turn up to the party and the Dutch booted home after their worst ever showing at a major tournament.
Holland needed to win by two to make the quarter-finals after defeats to Denmark and Germany left them on the brink. They got off to a flyer thanks to a delightful curled effort from Tottenham man Rafael van der Vaart on 11 minutes, but as the first half wore on, the more Portugal gained a foothold.
The equaliser came through the Portuguese captain as Ronaldo raced through and drilled a powerful effort past the Dutch keeper after 28 minutes; nothing less than they deserved.
Portugal continued to press in the second-half and the breakthrough arrived with 16 minutes remaining; Nani finding Ronaldo with a wonderful cross-field pass, and the Real Madrid star was the epitomy of calm as he took a touch with his left to bring the ball onto his right – sending Gregory can der Weil crashing to the deck – before slotting coolly into the near corner.
Game over and time for the Dutch players to packs their bags, slide their tails between their legs and slope off on their holidays.
Goal – Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWEDEN v France)
For me, it has to be Ibrahimovic’s outrageous effort against France. On 54 minutes, Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larrson swings a cross into the AC Milan striker, who rises just inside the penalty area, readjusts his body slightly then connects right on the money with a perfectly executed scissor kick. The ball skips past France stopper Hugo Lloris and into the bottom corner. Sublime.
Player – Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this award goes to a Germany player and it could be one of a host of names from the Group B winners. But for me, the Bayern Munich midfielder has been immense in the tournament so far.
His box-to-box ability meant he controlled the midfield against Portugal and kept their attacking threats at bay, while his range of passing and attacking intelligence supplied Mario Gomez both goals in the win over Holland.
He was less spectacular against Denmark, but was again error-free and he provides the balance to Germany’s midfield that is vital to their devastating style of play.
CHRIS MCHARDY
Game – Croatia 0-1 Spain
It may not have been the goal-fests of say Denmark-Portugal or Sweden-England, but nonetheless it was a fascinating 90 minutes, not least because Croatia exposed jinxs in the holders armoury that others will have noted.
Ivan Rakitic will no doubt be having sleepless nights over his chance at 0-0 that forced a great save from Iker Casillas. There was much to admire about Croatia’s defensive resiliance and their conviction in possession.
Spain won it with a late winner from Jesus Navas, but they continue to flatter to deceive. Dare we say they have become all to predictable.
Goal – Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWEDEN v France)
It has to be Ibrahimovic’s finish against the French. It simply had everything. Impeccable technique equalled by exquistite execution. Not that Zlatan gives a s***. As he said himself, he’s off on holiday!
Player – Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Italy’s midfield metronome continues to defy his years. Cast adrift by AC Milan last summer, the 33-year-old became the inspiration for Juventus’ first Scudetto success since 2003.
He has carried that form into Euro 2012, with his passing and reading of the game in his deep-lying midfield role a joy to behold. England’s chances of reaching the semi-finals hinge on their ability to shut down the Azzurri’s passing machine. Easier said than done.
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