Euro 2020 could not have left us a more exciting round of 16 full of surprises in which nothing has been lacking: comebacks, goals, extra time, victories by the minimum, penalty shoot-outs. And in the middle of that roller coaster there are players who have excelled more than others. Let’s see who the proper names have been for these round of 16.
Yann Sommer, Switzerland / Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
The goalkeepers have been protagonists in these round of 16 and we have seen real stops that are worth a victory. Of all of them we must highlight the performance of Sommer who not only thwarted the chances of the French team during the 120 minutes of the game, but also saved Mbappé’s last penalty, qualifying his team for the quarterfinals. Hero of Switzerland.
César Azpilicueta, Spain / Pixsell / MB Media / Getty Images
The entry of Azpilicueta in the eleven of Spain has given another air to the selection. The Chelsea defender has the stripes that this team lacked and his climbs up the right-handed lane are a danger. So much so that he was the author of 1-2. With him in the field, Spain is deeper.
Harry Maguire, England / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Germany’s attack was totally neutralized by one man, Harry Maguire. The United center-back scored a great game and made the afternoon bitter for Müller, Werner and Havertz. He was the MVP of the match and well deserved
Joakim Maehle, Denmark / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
Denmark is the team that has achieved a more comfortable victory in these last 16. The Danish defense was very solid and left the Welsh attack to zero, completely nullifying Ramsey and Moore. Maehle was the scorer of the Danes’ third goal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ukraine / Stu Forster / Getty Images
Great game that Oleksandr Zinchenko scored against Sweden, especially in the first half, to put Ukraine in the quarterfinals. The one from City was in charge of opening the scoring with a great play on the left wing and gave the assistance of the final 1-2 in the 120th minute. And in between, he left great actions and was one of the team leaders until he ended up becoming a hero national.
Sergio Busquets, Spain / Stuart Franklin / Getty Images
Without a doubt, the great driver of this Spain is its captain, Sergio Busquets. With him on the pitch, La Roja is no longer a flat team and against Croatia it was the beacon that guided the Spanish game and gave meaning to the team’s possession. He gave everything on the field of play.
Tomás Holes, Czech Republic / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
The Czech Republic, led by Tomás Holes, gave the surprise by eliminating the Netherlands. The midfielder supported his team and managed to penetrate the Dutch defense, with de Ligt already in the locker room by sending off, to open the scoring. Holes knew how to see well the holes that the Netherlands had to assist Schick in the final 0-2.
Granit Xhaka, Switzerland / Marcio Machado / Getty Images
In a star-studded game against the French team, Granit Xhaka shone with her own light. The Arsenal midfielder scored a great game by running, pressing, stealing balls, defending and playing. He did it all, a very complete performance. Switzerland will notice its decline in the quarters.
Emil Forsberg, Sweden / Stu Forster / Getty Images
Sweden could not go to the quarter-finals But Emil Forsberg’s great game is to highlight it. He was in charge of putting his team into the match and in the tie, scoring the tying goal and was able to give his team the victory but the wood prevented him from doing so.
Haris Seferović, Switzerland / Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
The other great architect of the Swiss triumph was Haris Seferović. The striker gave the surprise in Bucharest by overtaking his team on the scoreboard and in 81 put it 2-3 closing the gap. Without him, the Swiss comeback would not have been possible.
Kasper Dolberg, Denmark / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
Kasper Dolberg appeared to put Denmark’s victory on track against Wales with a double, the second was scored as soon as the second half began, thus ending all hopes of a comeback for the Welsh.
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