A Complete Explanation Of Everything

GK - Volkan (Turkey)

For me, despite his sending off, he was having the best tournament keeperwise up to that point. Casillas has had some good moments but the likes of Cech, Coupet, Lehmann and Volkan's replacement Rustu really failed to make this a memorable tournament for keepers. The new ball didn't turn out to be as dangerous as predicted, there were pitifully few efforts on target from distance and only one direct free kick. Volkan for me...

Fullbacks - Philip Lahm (Germany), Zhirkov (Russia)

Lahm was taken apart by the directness of Kazim-Kazim (Colin Kazim-Richards to you and I, ex of Sheffield Utd) in the semi-final but still had the reserves to get down the pitch and score the last minute winner. He was utterly transcendent prior to the semi, so does go in on merit. Can play either left or right back, which allows Zhirkov into the team, really lit up the tournament in the final 1st round match and the epic quarter final win against the Dutch. Dangerous shot, a good eye for a pass and bags of energy, this duo would be as good going forward as anything ever assembled from fullback.

Centrebacks - Chiellini (Italy), Marchena (Spain)

Difficult shout this, not too sure any centrehalf has been truly exceptional. Chiellini stepped into the team for the Italians and at 23, looked very good, composed and let's face Italians only made a case for inclusion in the defence, although Pirlo might have had more to say about that but for those yellow cards. Marchena gets in on the basis that Spain have looked relatively solid and that can't be down to Puyol.

Central Midfield - Frings (Germany), Sneijder (Holland)

Again, a tough area... Frings makes Germany tick and was instrumental when he came on against Turkey in the semi-final, he'll plug the holes and will make the final an interesting battle for midfield supremacy. I could have had a number of Spaniards in here but I've plumbed for Wesley Sneijder in a floating role, although normally a wing man, he does tend to drift inside and lit up the tournament as the best the Dutch had to offer. Irony heaped upon irony, he may now be sacrificed by Real Madrid in order to bring the Portugese Winker and his considerable marketing clout to the Spanish capital.

Rightwing - David Silva (Spain)

Has been the most impressive winger of the tournament, for all the kudos heaped on Villa and Torres, this guy has been the thorn in the side for the Spanish opposition. It looks like a long road back for the likes of Joaquin to displace this guy.

Leftwing - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Despite the quarter final exit, Ronaldo bolstered his reputation with an effective enough tournament, a great goal and some great link play. Portugal may have suffered for directing all their attacking through Ronaldo and Deco and maybe, it will be become the lesson of Ronaldo's career that he begins to eschew teamplay for personal glory. He could go either way at this point...

Forwards - Arshavin (Russia), Villa (Spain)

The little Russian and the little Spaniard. Goals, movement, trickiness, a clever pass, these two though slight in stature would pose real difficulties for any defence. Arshavin disappointed many with his semi final performance but he faced a Spanish midfield that dominated and was completely starved of supply, again, the skill he showed in his two performances more than justified Hiddink's decision in bringing a player suspended for two matches. Villa has finally confirmed his reputation on the international stage and his goal, the winner against Sweden will live long in the memory. A great shame neither will grace the final but hands Torres the opportunity to finally stamp his mark on the tournament.

Subs: Casillas (Spain), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Senna (Spain), Robben (Holland), Podolski (Germany)