In many ways the positive attributes of this tournament has been the rise of the minnows (i.e. Albania, Wales, Northern Ireland, Iceland and Hungary). The relative lack of goals will be levelled as a negative, but the competitiveness of the tournament has driven this and while everyone wants more goals, the truth is teams in Europe have shown to be significantly better organized defensively than other confederations.
Best XI (Euro 2016 Group Stage)
- GK - Michael McGovern (Northern Ireland) - almost singlehandedly kept the goal difference down in games versus Poland and Germany, some truly sensational saves.
- DEF - Elseid Hysaj (Albania) - arguably their most potent player going forward and imperious defensively, raised his profile immensely.
- DEF - Leonardo Bonucci (Italy) - against Belgium played killer passes and at the same time showed why the real BBC plays in Turin.
- DEF - Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) - another member of the BBC to have been part of two sensational defensive displays, his performance against Zlatan was immaculate.
- DEF - Darijo Srna (Croatia) - admittedly much better going forward than defensively, Srna was a marauding presence for Croatia and a great leader for a team whose fans embarrassed them.
- MID - Grzegorz Krychowiak (Poland) - gives the feel of a one-man midfield, such are his dominant displays and he was instrumental in the Poles not conceding a goal thus far.
- MID - Laszlo Kleinheisler (Hungary) - undoubtedly their best most influential player in the group stage, simply everywhere game after game and ran himself into the ground.
- MID - Luka Modric (Croatia) - showed himself to be a leading candidate to be the player of the tournament as a midfield dynamo, favourite for goal of the tournament thus far.
- MID - Dimitri Payet (France) - the darling of the tournament, a player bang in form and scoring sensational goals whilst creating chances for his teammates at will.
- MID - Gareth Bale (Wales) - hasn't been required to carry his team, he is simply setting the bar really high and his teammates have risen to the challenge - he has led this team brilliantly.
- FOR - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - the one-man show might be a controversial choice, but had it not been for otherworldly performances by Hannas Halldorsson (Iceland GK) and Robert Almer (Austria GK), he could have had 5 goals by now.
Euro 2016 Round of 16 Matchups
- Switzerland - Poland
Switzerland qualified unbeaten but have not shown defensive strength (needing two brilliant Sommer saves to earn their only win against a 10 man Albania) nor any real offensive potency.
Poland have yet to concede and whilst Lewandowski has yet to score, the apprentice Milik has been among the chances but wasteful in front of goal. They've played well and look strong.
My Pick: Poland / Favourites: Poland
- Wales - Northern Ireland
Wales were superb and deserved their group win. Bale has been the star but it has certainly not been a one-man show with quality play all over the pitch. The team is playing above the sum of its parts.
Northern Ireland have not played attractive football, nor should they be expected to. Given their limited resources this is another team playing above the sum of its parts, with an in-form keeper.
My Pick: Wales / Favourites: Wales
- Croatia - Portugal
Croatia have been the team that seemed to be the one creating the best and most chances at this tournament, how could you not with their midfield. A dangerous team with solid depth.
Portugal is one of those teams that are playing less than the sum of their parts. They have looked disjointed and struggled in what should have been an easy group but boast some high end talent.
My Pick: Croatia / Favourites: Croatia
- France - Republic of Ireland
France has elite talent but not yet truly shown it. The defence is the main concern on paper, with more required from Pogba/Griezmann further up the pitch if the French are to make a run deep.
Republic of Ireland benefitted from playing an already qualified Italy, having been dismantled by the Belgians. Success is already achieved but maybe a hint of revenge for the hand of Henry brewing?
My Pick: France / Favourites: France
- Germany - Slovakia
Germany have yet to concede but have not looked their imperious self. Qualifying as group winners despite this and with room for improvement, they should settle into their role as potential winners.
Slovakia did well to qualify from their group but they have shown to be a limited team. Hamsik will need to carry this team forward, but against a German midfield it may prove a bridge too far.
My Pick: Germany / Favourites: Germany
- Hungary - Belgium
Hungary won their group impressively with a team that impressed game after game. Not tipped for any success, they have overachieved but face their biggest test to date.
Belgium are a team which responded to the jolt of the opening defeat to Italy and have impressed subsequently. They must feel they have a great draw for a deep run which their talent supports.
My Pick: Belgium / Favourites: Belgium
- Italy - Spain
Italy served notice with the performance of the tournament thus far against the fancied Belgians. The task against Spain will be no less daunting and will require as meticulous planning and performance.
Spain sputtered barring a sensational display against the Turks. They deserve their favourites tag in this matchup on talent, but their possession based game will play into a counter attacking game plan.
My Pick: Italy / Favourites: Spain
- England - Iceland
England's best player thus far has been Eric Dier? To be fair though they have had their moments but have not put together a performance worthy of the talent on the team against inferior opposition yet.
Iceland have annoyed Ronaldo for celebrating a draw, then annoyed Austria a potential dark horse by eliminating them. Underdogs in this matchup, but then again when haven't they been?
My Pick: Iceland / Favourites: England
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