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Griezmann is best of the best

SINGAPORE - After a month of football action, the curtain finally came down on Euro 2016 with Portugal emerging as unlikely champions. It was, in terms of footballing action, a dull and stodgy final, but it also had its moments of drama. Our Euro analyst recaps the tournament and highlights several unforgettable moments, and unveils his Team of the Tournament, in his favoured 4-4-2 formation.

France's Antoine Griezmann in action with Portugal's Cedric. PHOTO: REUTERS

France's Antoine Griezmann in action with Portugal's Cedric. PHOTO: REUTERS

SINGAPORE - After a month of football action, the curtain finally came down on Euro 2016 with Portugal emerging as unlikely champions. It was, in terms of footballing action, a dull and stodgy final, but it also had its moments of drama. Our Euro analyst recaps the tournament and highlights several unforgettable moments, and unveils his Team of the Tournament, in his favoured 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio (Portugal)

Consistently excellent throughout Euro 2016, Patricio produced a wondrous penalty save in the shoot-out win over Poland, and was phenomenal throughout the final. Played a big role in Portugal’s shock triumph.

Right-back: Darijo Srna (Croatia)

His father tragically passed away during the group stage, but Croatia’s brave captain battled on to help his country on the pitch. Flying up and down the right flank he delivered four outstanding performances.

Centre-back: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)

Oozed class at the heart of Antonio Conte’s defence. His distribution from the back was effortlessly brilliant, and his positional sense was even better. Could be described as the world’s best centre-back.

Centre-back: Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)

Born to defend, Chiellini’s resilience, aggression and nose for danger are second to none. Strikers just don’t any change out of the grizzly Juventus stalwart, who was superb alongside Bonucci.

Left-back: Raphael Guerreiro (Portugal)

Snapped up by Borussia Dortmund in the group stages, the 22-year-old left back improved with every appearance and was fabulous in the final. Lively in possession, quick, and with a gorgeous left foot, he looks a top prospect.

Centre-midfield: Aaron Ramsey (Wales)

Sporting bleach blond hair, Ramsey caught the eye with a series of energetic and exceptional displays.  Producing high quality midfield play on and off the ball, he proved his doubters wrong.

Centre-midfield: Toni Kroos (Germany)

The most elegant playmaker in the competition passed the ball beautifully for the Germans. In a tournament that lacked the influence of dynamic central midfielders, he shone brightly.

Right-midfield: Gareth Bale (Wales)

He carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders, and still had enough pace to leave a stream of defenders in his wake. He led from the front, showed courage at big moments, and grew as a man. Outstanding.

Left-midfield: Dimitri Payet (France)

West Ham’s talisman was relatively poor in the last two matches, but he did enough early on at Euro 2016 to warrant his place in my XI. Started like a house on fire with some stunningly confident play.

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

A knee injury cut his final tragically short but European football’s top player wiped away tears to get his hands on the trophy. He contributed three goals, three assists, and great leadership qualities.

Forward: Antoine Greizmann (France)

France’s main man missed a golden chance in the final, but was still magnificent over the course of the competition. Griezmann is the most rounded, in-form predator on the continent right now, and deserved a winners’ medal.

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