Audio By Carbonatix
Manchester City duo David Silva and Mario Balotelli have both been rewarded for their fine individual displays in Poland and the Ukraine by being included in UEFA’s official 23-man squad of Euro 2012.
Not surprisingly, Silva and his Spanish colleagues dominated the voting with the European and Spanish champions having 10 players in total nominated. To add to their haul of fame, playmaker Andres Iniesta was named as the best player of the tournament in the wake of Spain’s 4-0 victory over Italy in Sunday’s final.
Aside from Balotelli and Silva, only one other player from the Premier League made the cut – England skipper Steven Gerrard. The latest individual award capped an incredible four years for the 28-year-old Iniesta, who was named in the team of the tournament at Euro 2008 and was in the all-star team of the 2010 World Cup after scoring the winning goal in the final.
He’s also won two Champions League titles during that time. The Barcelona midfielder was sensational in the showpiece in Warsaw, conducting proceedings as Spain created history by claiming their third successive major tournament.
Former Scotland boss Andy Roxburgh, the head of Uefa's technical group, said: “Andrea Pirlo was magnificent for Italy, Xavi won it last time and could have won it again. Xabi Alonso was magnificent but Iniesta sends a message about creative and incisive football and was superb throughout.”
UEFA’s 23-man Euro 2012
squad: Goalkeepers: Buffon (Ita), Casillas (Spa), Neuer (Ger). Defenders: Pique (Spa), Coentrao (Por), Lahm (Ger), Pepe (Por), Ramos (Spa), Alba (Spa). Midfielders: De Rossi (Ita), Gerrard (Eng), Xavi (Spa), Iniesta (Spa)*, Khedira (Ger), Busquets (Spa), Ozil (Ger), Pirlo (Ita), Xabi Alonso (Spa). Forwards: Balotelli (Ita), Fabregas (Spa), Ronaldo (Por), Ibrahimovic (Swe), Silva (Spa).
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
GoldBod dismisses claims of rift with BoG over Asiama’s board exit
29 seconds -
Ghana, Algeria explore stronger scholarship and academic exchange opportunities
3 minutes -
Law enforcement officers trained to tackle emerging human trafficking threats
9 minutes -
Ministries, assemblies cannot claim blanket exemption from vehicle tint laws – ACP Alexander
16 minutes -
Is Ghana safely becoming a narcotic transit coast?
19 minutes -
Tinted vehicles could facilitate crime and endanger road users — ACP Alexander
29 minutes -
BoG Governor appoints Second Deputy Governor Matilda Asante-Asiedu as rep on GoldBod board
39 minutes -
The fight against terrorism requires regional and international cooperation – Mahama
52 minutes -
Arrest Nana Boakye and probe into drug lab claims – NDC’s James Agbey
1 hour -
Refugees in South Africa face mounting tensions as September 30 deadline looms
1 hour -
At least 12 dead, dozens missing after vessel capsizes in DR Congo
1 hour -
Two dead, 14 rescued after accident on Kpetoe-Sarakope road
2 hours -
AFCON 2027Q: Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf to officiate Ghana-Gambia match
2 hours -
Our mental health is restored – How Medical Trust Fund is giving doctors hope again
2 hours -
2027 budget to provide for grain silos – Agric Minister
2 hours