Euro 2004 Select XI

The lanky Dutch keeper was inspired between the sticks for the semi-finalists. Rode his luck against Sweden before his penalty save from Olaf Mellberg to sealed de Oranje's place in the last four and capped a fine individual performance.

Came into the side after the opening game debacle and proved he should never have been left out. Assured and reassuring, the Porto man showed he can make the step up to international level, consigning Fernando Couto to the retirement scrapheap.

The AEK Athens player was little known outside his own country before the tournament, but consistently awesome displays will mean this Colossus is no longer a secret. Ever present, the most outstanding of an incredible Greek rearguard.

As Portugal poured forward in a now epic quarter-final encounter, the Arsenal man's performance suggested England could hold on. Imperious throughout the four games, was unlucky not to have been his side's match-winner over the hosts.

A one-man hive of activity in the host nation's midfield, impressing with both grit and glitz. Passing, tackling and long-range shooting all in the Porto man's armoury, one of the main reasons behind his side reaching the final.

Performances packed with all the usual dynamism the Ballon d'Or puts into his game. All round contribution to his side's run to the last four - including a simply out-of-this-world display to destroy the Dutch - marked a return to top form. Sad end to a fine tournament.

The only galactico to live up to his star-billing, the Real Madrid man looked revitalised in his country's colours after a painful club season. Irresistible in the semi-final, Figo is unfortunate to be bowing out of international football on a low note.

The new Chelsea winger's inclusion helped spark a Dutch renaissance after the dull goalless draw in the opening game. Showed flashes of skill to suggest the brightest of futures, though blotted his copybook with some Olympic-class diving.

A potent spearhead within a razor-sharp Danish front-line, three finely-taken goals - including a goal of the tournament contender against Sweden - bear testimony to the improvement he has made since moving to the San Siro.

THE revelation of the tournament announced his arrival on the scene with a spectacular 40-metre run against France to earn his side a penalty. Four goals in less than four games, England's chances of a tournament win disappeared as he limped out of the quarter-final with Portugal.

The tournament's top scorer, his sumptuous, chipped finish for his first goal against Denmark in the quarter-final added to his second - a goal fashioned out of pure pace and power - showed the Liverpool striker is blossoming into a truly world-class goal-getter.

Turned the clock back to provide the deposed champions with a solid base that they failed to build on.

Defended solidly, but attacked even better to suggest the Azzurri may have a worthy successor to Maldini.

A ball-playing battler at the hub of everything for Morten Olsen's side.

His wing wizardry, deceptively good heading ability and eye for goal showed the Portuguese production line has turned out another gem.

Fitting he should score the trophy-winning goal after energy-packed performances. Gave the Greek attack a cultured yet muscular edge while defending manfully.