Monday 11 July 2016 13:37, UK
Whether or not you feel the quality of football was at the level one would hope for a major international tournament, there is no denying that Euro 2016 has given us some memorable moments. Indeed, it was fitting that the tournament should be won by an underdog given the unpredictability of its nature as a whole.
Portugal are the new European champions, lifting the trophy for the first time despite missing their star man Cristiano Ronaldo for much of the final against hosts France.
Fernando Santos's side won just one of their seven matches at the finals inside 90 minutes, and the fact they were so difficult to beat to the very last proved that this side, while unfashionable, doesn't necessarily rely on their captain.
In truth there was no real standout performer for the champions throughout the tournament, but they had solidity, organisation and spirit in abundance. That goes some way to explaining why only one Portugal player - a defender - made the cut in WhoScored.com's team of the tournament. Here is the full XI…
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) - 7.06 rating
There were relatively few remarkable goalkeeping performances, with Rui Patricio's score of 8.74 in the final one of only two man-of-the-match ratings from 'keepers at the tournament. Courtois comes out on top from a very tight bunch, with only three players producing more saves (17), as the Belgium shot stopper kept three clean sheets in five appearances.
Darijo Srna (Croatia) - 7.73 rating
Overcoming personal tragedy to lead an impressive Croatia side at the tournament this summer, Srna was a credit to his nation at Euro 2016, putting in a handful of excellent displays from right-back. Renowned for his delivery from both set pieces and open play, the 34-year old proved once more that he is among the best crossers on the continent, leading the way in France with 4.3 accurate examples per game, while only one player averaged more tackles.
Fabian Schar (Switzerland) - 7.51 rating
Switzerland are yet to really live up to their potential but there are still young players that offer hope for the nation's football prospects. Schar has over 20 caps at just 24 and his eye for a goal from set pieces helped Vladimir Petkovic's men to the knockout phase with a winner against Albania - his sixth international strike. With an 88.4 per cent pass accuracy and three interceptions per game, he was Switzerland's highest rated player by a distance.
Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) - 7.57 rating
In truth it wouldn't have been an injustice for any of Italy's back three to make the grade here but it's Chiellini that gets the nod. The Azzurri shocked many en route to the quarter-finals, bowing out on penalties to Germany in a shoot-out that will be remembered as among the worst. Chiellini was sacrificed just before that for Simone Zaza to ultimately embarrass himself, but the Juventus centre-back had done his job. Having scored in a superb victory over Spain and averaged three interceptions per game, he was key to Conte's side's success.
Raphael Guerreiro (Portugal) - 7.45 rating
While compatriot Renato Sanches was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament award, left-back Guerreiro was arguably the champions' most consistent performer at the age of just 22. Having signed for Borussia Dortmund shortly after the tournament began, BVB fans will have been hugely enthused by the youngster's displays, with Portugal conceding just once in his five appearances. Moreover, he registered an assist against Wales and averaged 2.4 tackles and 2.8 interceptions per game.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) - 7.97 rating
Marc Wilmots' side failed to capitalise on a fantastic chance to reach the final and had they capitalised on the opportunities that creator-in-chief De Bruyne had forged it could have been a different story. The Manchester City man was guilty of missing chances himself at times, firing off 4.2 shots per game, but no player at the tournament came close to matching his average of 4.6 key passes, heralding three assists.
Toni Kroos (Germany) - 7.76 rating
Generally considered as Germany's best performer this summer, Kroos was instrumental in Die Mannschaft's progression to the semi-finals. The Real Madrid midfielder mustered 2.5 shots and 2.5 dribbles per game, as well as creating the fourth most chances this summer (16), while a total of 593 accurate passes was 46 per cent more than any other player at the tournament.
Aaron Ramsey (Wales) - 7.70 rating
There's little doubt that Ramsey's absence through suspension in Wales' semi-final with Portugal had a significant bearing on the match. The Arsenal man had been in superb form all tournament, with his tireless energy in not only supporting the likes of Gareth Bale but also breaking up play sorely missed in the final four. No player registered more assists - with a tally of four matching his figure from the entire 2015/16 season with the Gunners - while 2.4 tackles per game and a goal to his name saw the 25-year old return to Wales a hero.
Dimitri Payet (France) - 7.91 rating
While West Ham wizard Payet's form undoubtedly waned as the tournament went on and Antoine Griezmann stepped to the fore, he still left a real impression for the host nation after a period of international exile. The 29-year old was one of six players tied for second in the scoring charts with three goals, registered a further two assists and created the second most chances per game (3.4) at the tournament.
Antoine Griezmann (France) - 7.84 rating
Having become only the second player ever to score more than five goals at a European Championship, twice as many as any other player at the tournament (six), Griezmann is a no-brainer in any best XI from this summer. The Atletico Madrid man suffered major final heartache for the second time in a matter of months but was in electric form in the knockout stages to that point, while only one player tested the opposition 'keeper more times at Euro 2016 (14).
Gareth Bale (Wales) - 8.22 rating
Completing the XI, and earning the highest WhoScored.com rating this summer, is Bale. The Wales talisman led the charts for shots on target, with 17, scored three goals and played a crucial role in enticing Gareth McAuley to find his own net in order to earn the Dragons a place in the last eight. While he didn't score in the memorable win over Belgium, he was a constant menace, producing the most tackles of any player in the quarter-final (four). Ranking second at the tournament for shots (4.3) and dribbles (3.8) per game, Bale is one superstar that certainly didn't disappoint in France.
