Spain erases 44 years of disappointment

GK: Iker Casillas, Spain- Casillas cemented his status as the top keeper in the world. "Saint Iker" was pretty pedestrian through most of the tournament behind a surprisingly tight defense, but performed fantastically when called into action, and bested Italy's own stellar keeper Buffon in a quarterfinal shootout. DEF: Sergio Ramos, Spain- Everyone is aware of his attacking prowess down the flank and those skills shown throughout the tournament as he sent in dangerous crosses galore, but it was his rock solid defense that oozed class and made his part of the field a no attack zone for opposing offenses. DEF: Carlos Marchena, Spain- Marchena was the aerial stopper for a height-challenged Spanish squad and was rarely caught out of position by opposing offenses. He came into the tournament as the question mark of the Spanish defense but his steady and consistent play outshone and often covered up for the mistakes of the more cavalier Carlos Puyol. DEF: Yuri Zhirkov, Russia- Zhirkov attacked down the left flank with danger throughout the tournament while providing shackling defense on some of the best wingers in the world. His dead-ball delivery made almost every Russian set-play a potential goal without having a lot of height in the box to work with. MID: Marcos Senna, Spain- One of Luis Aragones' more head scratching selections when the Spanish squad was announced turned out to be one of brilliance from "The Wise Man from Hortaleza." Senna protected the Spanish backline with ease throughout the tournament and often forced opposing teams to play down the wings because of how well he patrolled the middle of the field. And what's even more amazing, he didn't pick up a single booking the entire tournament. MID: Tuncay Sanli, Turkey- Sanli was the heartbeat for the "Cardiac Kids" of the tournament. He was responsible for pulling the strings in midfield for a side that had the knack of making goals out of nothing. He roamed the area behind the Turkish strikers and cut defenses apart with his passing. And in the final group match, when his keeper was sent off with no remaining substitutes for his side, he donned the goalie shirt and finished out the victory in goal. MID: Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands- Sneijder was the midfield maestro for the team that appeared to be the class of the tournament after the group stage. Sneijder scored two goals and set up two more in three games of work during the tournament. He seemed to be the only Dutch player who wanted to win against Russia in the quarters and nearly put them through by himself. He also scored the goal of the tournament against France when his curling, long range effort beat the keeper and clipped the crossbar on the way in. MID: Andrei Arshavin, Russia- Arshavin lifted his team to new levels when he returned to the line-up after serving a two-match ban at the start of the tournament. He ripped the Swedish and Dutch defenses to shreds with his mazy runs and tricky ball skills. Ashavin wasn't quite able to get things going against the Spanish in the semis, but it appears as though he will have a chance to play with some members of that squad, as it is rumored he is on his way to Barcelona before the end of the summer. MID: Lukas Podolski, Germany- The natural striker was used by German coach Joachim Low on the left side of midfield throughout the tournament and to great effect. He scored three goals and set up two more, both to club teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger. His speed and ball control gave teams fits and his powerful, long range efforts made them think twice about giving him too much space outside the box. FWD: Roman Pavluchenko, Russia- The much-maligned front man found his fitness and form in Euro 2008. Guus Hiddink found a way to get the best out of the often "too big" big-man. His aerial prowess was a danger throughout the tournament on set pieces and he and Arshavin formed a wonderful big man/little man combo up front upon his return to the line-up. FWD: David Villa, Spain- Often overshadowed by the exploits of teammate Fernando Torres and coming off a sub-par season with club team Valencia, Villa came into Euro 2008 with something to prove: mission accomplished. He led the tournament with four goals and his late winner against Sweden showed the type of instincts possessed by a top striker. The teams vying for his signature this summer will really have to open their wallets after his performance in this tournament.

Player of the Tournament

Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands- He set himself apart with his skill and class in the group stage and it seemed as though he was the only Dutch player to get off the bus when they played Russia. The playmaker on the team that left everyone wanting more just couldn't quite do it alone, though he did try and almost succeed. I think everyone at St. Jakob Park in Basel that night were left wondering what would have happened had Robin Van Persie allowed him to take that late free kick from his favorite spot.

Young Player of the Tournament

Arda Turan, Turkey- His touch and skill on the ball showed why this 21 year-old has a host of top clubs around Europe vying for his signature. He showed a wide array of passes and was especially effective sending in crosses from the wings. Look for this young man to make waves in future tournaments along with the rest of this relatively young Turkish side.

Biggest Disappointment

France- The World Cup 2006 runners-up exited the tournament after the group stage with two losses, a draw and one goal. The second oldest team in the tournament showed their age and by the end it was obvious they needed new blood. The loss of Patrick Viera hurt, but the negative tactics employed by coach Raymond Domenech hurt more.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.