Manuel Neuer (Germany): Made some excellent saves both during and before the penalty shootout to ensure his side progressed to the semis.
Mats Hummels (Germany): Showed why Bayern Munich were so keen to snap him up recently, delivering an accomplished display as Germany triumphed at the expense of Italy.
Leonardo Bonucci (Italy): Was vital at the heart of an Italy defence that conceded just twice over the course of the tournament.
Pepe (Portugal): Helped restrict Poland to half chances, putting in some good challenges as Portugal advanced for tomorrow’s encounter with Wales.
Ashley Williams (Wales): One of Wales’ heroes, Williams was rock solid at the back against Belgium, while also heading home the all-important equaliser.
Aaron Ramsey (Wales): Provided the assist for Wales’ first two goals and generally made his influence tell. Will likely be badly missed, owing to suspension, for the semi-final with Portugal.
Renato Sanches (Portugal): The most energetic and inventive presence in Portugal’s midfield against Poland, Sanches undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him.
https://vine.co/v/5aaQhBZIYWj
Dimitri Payet (France): Played a big role in helping France’s talented attack to tick against Iceland, he also got on the scoresheet with a powerful strike into the corner from the edge of the area.
Gareth Bale (Wales): Wales simply wouldn’t be in the semis without him. The Real Madrid star often looked a threat in attack, while his ball-carrying ability was also vital in helping to relieve the pressure on the defence.
Hal Robson Kanu (Wales): The free agent unsurprisingly has attracted the interest of a host of Premier League clubs, after he completely outfoxed the Belgian defence with a clever turn and finish for Wales’ finest moment in France.
Olivier Giroud (France): The French fans took a while to warm to the Arsenal star as they seemingly pined for the absent Karim Benzema, but few could complain after he notched a brace against Iceland on the back of an influential display in the Ireland match.
Formation: 4-3-3
Neuer
Bonucci Williams Pepe Hummels
Ramsey Sanches Payet
Robson-Kanu Giroud Bale
Subs: Rui Patricio (Portugal), James Chester (Wales), Chris Gunter (Wales), Joe Allen (Wales), Paul Pogba (France), William Carvahlo (Portugal), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Antoine Griezmann (France).
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Really hope France get done by Germany. They were given an easy group followed 3/4 days extra days rest against us and a handy last 8 game..
France have been given a really handy ride but I’m finding it very hard to warm to Zee Germans for this euros. They are not the force they were – which is normal after a world cup win. France have way more potential going forward . Would surprise me if Germany did them – but I’ll be shouting for France for this one. Hoowf
Chiellini
I’d have Pogba in that midfield ahead of Ramsey or Payet. He was outstanding against Iceland.
He was playing Iceland, Ramsey was playing belgium
Yeah, I know. This is the team of the quarters???
Sorry, easier team, fair enough. My bad
What!!!? No Irish player?!!
Chiselling