Euro 2012: Balotelli, Iniesta and Ronaldo Make Team of The Tournament Cut

Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio (Portugal)

Came into the tournament with a big reputation having kept 11 clean sheets for Sporting Lisbon last season, and kept his side's hopes alive for long periods in Poland and Ukraine. A brilliant save from Andres Iniesta in the semi-final got Portugal to penalties, before he kept out Xabi Alonso. Powerless to prevent eventual exit.

Right back: Theodor Gebre Selassie (Czech Republic)

The 25 year old was arguably the Czech's finest asset at both ends of the pitch; the rampaging full-back lit up the group A winners' performances, prior to their limp exit against Portugal. Gebre Selassie provided thrust from right-back in their back-to-back wins against Greece and Poland, while having to endure racial abuse from the stands.

Centre back: Bruno Alves (Portugal)

One half of the Portuguese's no-nonsense centre-half pairing. Alongside Pepe, the duo resembled two nightclub bouncers; turning away young upstarts without delay, in a fashion far removed from their footballing upbringing. His finest moment came against Netherlands, which saw Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar swatted away.

Centre back: Gerard Pique (Spain)

Like in his club days at Barcelona, Pique's performances, however sturdy, are often overshadowed by those further up the pitch. Without club teammate Carlos Puyol alongside him, Pique was trusted with running a back-four which quickly banished fears over their defensive weakness, with five clean sheets in six games.

Left back: Jordi Alba (Spain)

If Alba came into the tournament as an unknown in European circles, he leaves it as one of the continents leading left-backs. With Spain's midfield bereft of width, the role of Alvaro Arbeloa and Alba was crucial to stretch their opponents. He punished tired Portuguese legs in the semi-final, before turning on the afterburners to double Spain's lead in the final.

Centre midfield: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)

If Euro 2012 saw the midfield playmaker come to the forefront once again, few trumped Italy's maestro. As well as beautifully conducting the Italian midfield from a deep lying role, Pirlo was influential at every step of their progression from setting up Antonio Di Natale against Spain to chipping in a penalty against England.

Player of the Tournament

Centre midfield: Andres Iniesta (Spain)

After scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final, Iniesta had little else to prove, or to achieve this summer but yet again the Barcelona man picked up the baton for Spain. At times even usurping Xavi as Spain's chief in midfield, Iniesta combined his normal acute passing with forcing defendersto backpedal as his pace and close control left many dazed. Masterful in the final.

Centre midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

After an injury riddled season, Schweinsteiger returned refreshed for the European Championship and was at his metronomic best as Germany cruised into the last four. Twice he played in Mario Gomez against Netherlands, before anchoring a midfield which hit four past Greece.

Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

As he continues to live in the shadow of Lionel Messi on the world stage, Ronaldo used this summer to right some wrongs over his standing in Europe, and his ability to produce on the big stage. Sparked into life with a double against Netherlands and a flying header against Czech Republic. Tournament ended on a sour note as he was omitted from the first four penalty takers against Spain as Portugal crashed out.

Striker: Mario Balotelli (Italy)

Another who left it until the latter stages to produce, but in doing so delivered another reminder that behind his pantomime act is one of the world's most talented footballers. Now the highest scoring Italian in a single European Championship, Balotelli battered in a volley against the Republic of Ireland before a brilliant solo performance against Germany booked Italy in the Kiev final.

Striker: David Silva (Spain)

Assisted or scored four of Spain's first five goals of the tournament as Silva started the tournament like a house on fire. Merely simmered in the semi-final against Portugal, before heading in from Fabregas' cross to gift Spain the lead. Amid the Barcelona and Real Madrid ranks, Silva fitted in seamlessly to provide a focal point and creativity to Spain's invincibles.

Substitutes: Iker Casillas, Alvaro Arbeloa, Pepe, Xavi, Mario Mandzukic