by Guest Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:09 pm
UEFA.com's team of reporters pick out ten players who caught the eye in Basse-Normandie over the past fortnight.
Jerson Cabral (midfielder, Netherlands)
One of the standout performers in a disappointing Netherlands campaign, the Feyenoord winger started the tournament on the left flank before switching to the right to good effect. Delivered a perfect cross for Steven Berghuis's winner against England and proved particularly adept at wrong-footing defenders by turning inside onto his stronger left foot.
Danilo (midfielder, Portugal)
Hugely impressive in Portugal's first two games, the SL Benfica teenager anchored the midfield impressively, showing maturity well beyond his years. Strong and athletic, he was the launching pad for many of his team's attacks and displayed excellent discipline to hold his position just in front of the back four, dropping into defence when required.
Mattia Destro (forward, Italy)
Scored eight times in qualifying but failed to find the net in the finals despite three shots in the first ten minutes of the opening game against Portugal. Lacked support but always dangerous, his stature and close control ensuring he was always paid particular attention by opponents.
Marco Djuricin (forward, Austria)
A livewire presence up front for Austria. Passed up five excellent chances in the final game against the Netherlands but showed his character when holding his nerve to convert the crucial late penalty to book his side's place in next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Antoine Griezmann (forward, France)
A latecomer to Les Petits Bleus' squad, the Real Sociedad de Fútbol man's forays down the left flank caused many a problem for opposition defences, especially in the group stage against Austria when he scored twice and set up another goal.
Matthew James (midfielder, England)
One of the survivors of the team that reached last year's final. Wore the captain's armband this time round and led by example with a series of tireless and committed performances, keeping it simple and playing to England's strengths.
Gaël Kakuta (forward, France)
The Chelsea FC rising star lived up to his burgeoning reputation, a series of dribbles turning heads, and displayed his finishing skills at crucial times against the Netherlands and Croatia. He was one of only four France players to start every match of the tournament and set up the winning goal in the final for Alexandre Lacazette.
Filip Ozobić (midfielder, Croatia)
Flickered in the first two games but burst into life against Portugal, playing key roles in three of Croatia's five goals and scoring the fourth himself in a 5-0 triumph. Tricky and cunning, his slender build belied a toughness that made him the competition's most fouled player.
Daniel Pacheco (midfielder, Spain)
Finished as the tournament's top scorer with four goals after repeatedly cutting inside from the left to devastating effect. The Liverpool FC forward got both goals against Portugal on Matchday 2, another against Italy three days later and opened the scoring in the semi-final defeat of England.
Thiago Alcántara (midfielder, Spain)
A skillful defensive midfielder, Thiago excelled alongside FC Barcelona club-mate Oriol Romeu and was instrumental in most of Spain's bewitching build-up play. Also involved in one of the competition's most memorable moments, flicking a clever free-kick over the England wall for Sergio Canales to score the clinching third goal in the semi-final.
Spain are fucking ridiculous at all levels. Fuck me, Keko makes it 2-0.
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