The 2016 European Championships is now set for the semi-final stage and Sport360 looks back at the best performers who helped their countries get through the quarter-final phase of the competition.
Here are the players voted by you using valorafutbol.com‘s ranking system who made the best XI.
GOALKEEPER: MANUEL NEUER – GERMANY
Prior to the quarter-final clash with Italy, Manuel Neuer had kept five consecutive clean sheets for Germany. He ended up conceding through a Leonardo Bonucci penalty during the 90 minutes but saved the defenders effort in the shootout where he reigned supreme and was the hero as Germany went through.
Penalty King. 💪🇩🇪@Manuel_Neuer was first to answer the call in a tense penalty shootout. #ACE16 #FirstNeverFollows pic.twitter.com/V0SxTf2tjR
— adidas Malaysia (@adidasMY) July 3, 2016
DEFENDER: PEPE – PORTUGAL
Despite his antics, Pepe has been among the best defenders at Euro 2016. The fact that he is likely to miss the semi-final clash with Wales comes as a massive blow to Portugal.
Pepe's formidable stats at Euro 2016. Literal beast. pic.twitter.com/fCRpFgz9Ep
— ㅤ (@auintieri) July 4, 2016
DEFENDER: ASHLEY WILLIAMS – WALES
With his towering header from Aaron Ramsey’s corner to equalise against Belgium, Ashley Williams became the first Wales player to score in the quarter-finals of a major tournament. And that was just in addition to being an absolute rock at the back yet again.
Goal Ashley Williams!#WAL #EURO2016 #BelWal pic.twitter.com/b0ENqnEj0k
— Dişi Kanarya (@_hayatnegarip_) July 1, 2016
DEFENDER: NEIL TAYLOR – WALES
The Swansea City left-back has been in inspired form at Euro 2016. He scored his first goal in six years against Russia in the group stages and no defender has created more chances than him in the tournament so far.
Most chances created by a defender so far at #EURO2016:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 5, 2016
Neil Taylor (9)
Ricardo Rodriguez (9)
Nathaniel Clyne (7)
Raphael Guerreiro (6)
DEFENDER: KAMIL GLIK – ICELAND
Iceland may have conceded five goals against France but Kamil Glik still finds his way into this back-line. No player has made more defensive actions than him at Euro 2016 and it’s that form that’s prompted AS Monaco to sign him on a four-year deal.
No player made more defensive actions (68) at #EURO2016 than Kamil Glik:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 4, 2016
53 clearances
8 interceptions
7 blocks https://t.co/HMxhq6CjZs
MIDFIELDER: DIMITRI PAYET – FRANCE
This man is certainly making a case to be named player of the tournament. Dimitri Payet seems to be central to France’s progress and against Iceland, scored a well-hit goal to get his name on the score sheet.
Payet goal. #FRA
— Sportive23 (@Sportive23_) July 3, 2016
#3 pic.twitter.com/qhJOG4Qd68
MIDFIELDER: AARON RAMSEY – WALES
The suspended Arsenal man is going to be sorely missed by Wales for their semi-final clash against Portugal. No player has more assists than him at Euro 2016 as he managed to grab two against Belgium.
Aaron Ramsey's game by numbers vs. #BEL:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 1, 2016
86% pass acc
7 crosses
6 chances created
2 assists
Never stopped running. pic.twitter.com/pxaqzjtKKi
MIDFIELDER: GARETH BALE – WALES
With Aaron Ramsey out of the picture for Wednesday night’s encounter with Portugal, even more responsibility will rest on the shoulders of Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid player has had a fine tournament so far and managed to terrorise the Belgian back-line in the quarter-finals.
Take-ons completed over 90 minutes:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 1, 2016
Gareth Bale (4)
Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku combined (3) pic.twitter.com/mrmmgeNHJp
MIDFIELDER: JOE ALLEN – WALES
With a pass accuracy of 87% during this tournament, Joe Allen has been crucial to Wales’ progress so far. He was impressive once again during the 3-1 win over Belgium.
Joe Allen absolutely bossed tonight, fantastic passing. Deserves a new cont.. https://t.co/U30OBilbfe @Squawka pic.twitter.com/1QJ4ible6C
— Lew (@deanodean47) July 1, 2016
MIDFIELDER: RENATO SANCHES – PORTUGAL
The man who will most likely have to combat Allen is Renato Sanches when Portugal take on Wales. The 18 year-old brought a lot of energy to their midfield during the game versus Poland and scored a fine goal as well.
18-year-old Renato Sanches scored his first goal for Portugal, leveling the score with Poland 1-1. #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/QxhVZzpkux
— SportsCast (@SportsCast_THN) June 30, 2016
FORWARD: ANTOINE GRIEZMANN – FRANCE
The Atletico de Madrid forward is chasing the Golden Boot as his delightful chipped finish against Iceland took him to the top of the scoring charts with four goals.
Classy finish by Griezmann to book #FRA a semi final spot and become the tournament top scorer! #FRAISLhttps://t.co/3rJA3yHzyC
— TAB (@tabcomau) July 3, 2016