Team of the quarter finals

15 goals were scored during the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 (at a rate of 3.75 goals per game), with two games being decided in a shootout.

Goalkeeper

Rui Patricio (Portugal):

The Portuguese shot-stopper made 4 vital saves in open play and later became man of the moment as he saved the crucial spot-kick during shootout to take Portugal through to the semi-finals for the 5th time in their last 7 European participations. No particular goalkeeping performance stood out but this was the most influential.

Defenders

Ashley Williams (Wales):

The Welsh captain was an aerial beast at both ends of the field and scored Wales’ equalizer from a thumping header from a Ramsey corner-kick. Went close on a few other occasions but didn’t neglect his defensive duties (made 7 crucial clearances). A captain’s performance as Wales became the first team to each the semi-finals on their European debut since Sweden in 1992.

Leonardo Bonucci (Italy): Continued his fine form for Italy as he exhibited the ball-distribution precision that has turned him into one of the finest ball-playing defenders in today’s game. Showed unmatched composure to net Italy’s equalizing penalty (his first ever spot-kick in normal time) but couldn’t cap off his performance by missing in the shootout. This tournament definitely has seen his reputation enhanced.

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Pepe (Portugal): The beleaguered defender continues to impress as he put in a monstrous performance at the heart of his team’s defense. Made vital interceptions and weathered wave after wave of attacks and will look to take this performance into the last four as Portugal remain unbeaten in their 11 competitive fixtures under Fernando Santos (W8, D3).

Midfielders

Grzegorz Krychowiak (Poland):

The midfield anchorman was neat and tidy in possession and showed bundles of energy as he constantly roamed forward. Couldn’t help his country through though but an assured performance nonetheless. Has seen his stock rise considerably throughout the tournament.

Renato Sanches (Portugal):

Grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck as he became the youngest player to start a game in the 2016 edition. His energy and drive were prevalent and he became a constant menace to the Polish rearguard. Marked his arrival on the big stage with a screamer (via a small deflection) and with it became the youngest scorer in a knockout stage in European Championship history.

Aaron Ramsey (Wales):

The undoubted man of the match as Wales stunned Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ to make their first foray in a semi-final appearance. Displayed an abundance of quality to create 5 goal-scoring chances during the first half alone and capped off his performance by laying on 2 assists for his team-mates. Became the first British player to record 2 assists in a European game since David Beckham in 2000 and as now scored or assisted four of the last six goals netted by his nation. Received a reckless yellow card and with it a suspension from the semi-final; a cruel blow to his nation’s chances.

Dimitri Payet (France):

Again rose to the occasion with a poacher’s finish from the edge of the box and layed on a beautiful free-kick for Giroud to head home. Completely dominated proceedings and is now France’s hope as they take on the mighty Germans.

Forwards

Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales):

His tireless work ethic was there to see but it was his all-round ability and exquisite goal that will go down in the record books. Left two defenders for dead as he deftly imitated the famous ‘Cruyff turn’.

Antoine Griezmann (France): Was at his mesmerizing best as the host nation made light work of the highly-spirit Iceland. Laid on the corner for Pogba’s header, squared for Payet to shoot home and scored himself a nonchalant chip after a brilliant run and control. It’s hard to look beyond performances like this as moments of inspiration for the hosts.

Olivier Giroud (France): Silenced his critics with a performance worthy of acclaim. Showed remarkable efficiency as he scored with both attempted shots on target and was a physical beast as he won all his aerial duels. The much-maligned front man has now scored 10 goals in his 9 starts for his country and his inarguably staked his claim for a starting berth.