In France, the most important tournament in the Old Continent of football ended yesterday - the European Championship. At the "Stade de France" stadium, the national teams of Portugal and France fought for the title of champions. After a dramatic and tense battle, the Portuguese became the strongest in Europe. In this European Championship, there were more national teams than ever before - 24. Throughout the month, football fans could follow the performances of all teams and their players. The most visited country's football news portal EuroFootball.com presents the best players of the tournament. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris - The goalkeeper of the French national team, reliably guarding the goal throughout all seven championship matches. The performance of the Tottenham goalkeeper in London opened the way to the final of the European Championship for the French, where he also saved his team from goals in several episodes. However, during extra time, H. Lloris had to pull the ball out of his own net, but in this situation, he was helpless. Defenders Pepe - The central defender of the Portuguese national team, contributing to reaching the peak of the European Championship with his excellent play. The veteran of Real Madrid was a defensive pillar on whom Fernando Santos could rely. Due to suspension, Pepe missed the semifinal, but in the final, his hard work was not left unnoticed - the defender became the best player of the final. Jerome Boateng - The defensive pillar of the German national team, helping the world champions become the team that conceded the least goals in the tournament. The center-back of Bayern Munich contributed to the victories of the Germans not only with successful play in front of his goal but also with a great goal against Slovakia. Laurent Koscielny - The defender of the French national team, stopping and breaking down many dangerous opponent attacks. The Arsenal player from London was almost irreplaceable in the ranks of the French team and deserved trust. During the championship, L. Koscielny had to play in the center-back pair with Adil Rami and Samuel Umtiti, but it did not cause any problems for the experienced player. Midfielders Toni Kroos - The orchestrator of attacks for the German national team, successfully initiating more than one team attack. The Real Madrid midfielder was the most accurate and the player with the most passes in this championship. After the semifinal match, the midfielder was criticized for controlling the ball too often, but the statistics speak for themselves. Renato Sanches - The football talent of the Portuguese national team, playing in seven matches. The 18-year-old footballer was one of the most important Portuguese players in the midfield. R. Sanches' goal and dangerous breakthroughs did not go unnoticed - the future Bayern Munich midfielder became the best young player of the tournament. Aaron Ramsey - The leader of the Welsh national team's defensive line, contributing to the historic journey of the national team. The star from Arsenal in London scored one goal in this championship and, along with Eden Hazard, made the most assists - 4. A. Ramsey's contribution to creating attacks for the Welsh national team was huge, and his absence in the semifinals strongly contributed to the poor performance of Wales. Dimitri Payet - The winger of the French national team became one of the most prominent players of the championship. Having scored three goals and made two assists, the West Ham player shone particularly brightly at the beginning of the championship. In the later stages, D. Payet was less noticeable, but the Frenchman became one of those players who left a huge impression with his game. Forwards Gareth Bale - The leader of the Welsh national team was perhaps the biggest contributor to the successful performance of the team. The world's most expensive footballer with three goals was one of the most productive players of the championship, and his penalty shots against the goals of England and Slovakia made many football fans "wow." G. Bale was noticeable in every inch of the field and rightfully is called one of the best players of this tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo - The captain and leader of the Portuguese national team, showing dedication not only on the field but also off it. The start of the championship was very poor for Portugal, but with each game, the performance of the best player of the 2014 improved. In the final where Portugal played, C. Ronaldo played only 23 minutes due to injury. However, the statistics of the European champion speak for themselves - three goals and as many assists. Antoine Griezmann - The forward of the French national team, deserving comparisons with Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini. Three goals and two assists - no additional comments needed. Undoubtedly, A. Griezmann was the best and most prominent player in this European Championship. In the final, the forward was not as sharp as in the semifinals, but despite the poor final, he rightfully can be called the best player of the 2016 European Championship. Coach Fernando Santos - The architect of the victories of the Portuguese national team, awarding his country the first European Championship title. There is no doubt that F. Santos' playing philosophy contributed the most to the triumph of the Portuguese in these championships. Portugal, which had never shone in defense, played disciplined and well-organized football. Symbolic lineup of the tournament: Hugo Lloris Pepe - Jerome Boateng - Laurent Koscielny Renato Sanches - Toni Kroos - Aaron Ramsey - Dimitri Payet Gareth Bale - Antoine Griezmann - Cristiano Ronaldo
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