Euro 2012 - Gameweek 1

With the first game week of Euro 2012 completed, there have been those that have emerged as heroes, and those that have emerged as villains. There have also been massive upsets, most notably where Denmark stunned Holland with a shock 1-0 triumph. In addition to these upsets, there have been controversy, red cards, penalties, and outstanding performances. All these factors have added to the great excitement that the Euro's have generated, and the first round of games have been fascinating, with each and every player portraying vast amounts of passion when they step over the white line. But specific individual players have played a major part in their teams’ success, and I will state who I think have been the star men in the first round of games.

Players of the round:

(3-5-2)

GK: Manuel Neuer (GER)

One of the world's finest keeper's did well when called upon, and looked extremely reliable in the German goal. He vitally saved from Varela in the 86th minute to secure the points for the Germans, which sets them up nicely for their tie against Holland on Wednesday.



CB: Mats Hummels (GER)

Kjaar put in a marvellous shift to stem the Dutch threat

Hummels was colossal at the back for Germany, and didn't give Postiga a sniff all game. Very composed and at only 22, has a very bright future ahead of him. 
  

CB: Simon Kjaar (DEN)

Kjaar was incredible in nullifying ongoing the Dutch onslaught, and in combination with Agger, dealt with Van Persie and Huntelaar to great effect for the full 90 minutes.

CB: John Terry (ENG)

Terry gives 100% very single game no matter what, and wore the shirt with pride. England were under pressure for large periods of the game, but he stood tall and repelled the French attack time and time again.

RM: Dimitris Salpingidis (GRE)

Salpingidis entered the fray at 60 minutes for Greece, and what an impact he made. He immediately scored the equaliser, had a goal ruled offside and won a penalty. From his introduction, he immediately changed the game completely in favour of Greece.

CM: Alan Dzagoev (RUS)

Bossed the Czech midfield, and finished off with 2 goals to cap off a memorable night for both himself and his country. He also combined well with Kerzakhov and Arshavin, and looks a real talent



Sneijder was one of few Dutch players to live up to their
class reputations

CM: Wesley Sneijder (HOL)

The Dutch ace was extremely unlucky to be on the losing side in his country's opening game against Denmark. Where his teammates were struggling, Sneijder held his own and played extremely well; playing some exquisite balls through to Van Persie and was a constant threat to Denmark throughout the 90 minutes.

CM: Samir Nasri (FRA)

The Manchester City midfielder was a constant thorn in England's side, and looked dangerous whenever he had the ball. He made Cole look a bit silly at times, and capped off a great performance with a 20 yard pile driver to level the score line at 1-1 and earn a point for his country.

LM: Andrei Arshavin (RUS)
When on form, the tricky Russian is incredibly good. He terrorised the Czech defence, setting up numerous chances for his teammates, and played a massive part in the destruction of the Czech's. Based on this marvellous performance, he looked a completely different player to his late Arsenal days.

ST: Andriy Shevechenko (UKR)
The 35 year old proved he has still got it, and did his country proud by scoring the 2 goals that helped them defeat Sweden. Bowed out on the 82nd minute to a massive round of applause by the Ukraine faithful, and deservedly so.

Mandzukic's lethal finishing quashed the Irish threat

ST: Mario Mandzukic (CRO)

Mandzukic bullied the Irish defence and used his ability in the air to great effect. The Wolfsburg striker managed to bag 2 goals for his side, which proved enough to see off the Irish. He impressed me a great deal in his opening game, and if he maintains this level of performance, will undoubtedly start to catch the eye of some of the world's biggest clubs too.

Player of the round: Arshavin (RUS)

Team of the round: Russia

Gameweek 1 Results: (June 8th - 11th)

Group A

Poland 1-1 Greece - MOTM: Salpingidis (GRE)
Russia 4-1 Czech Republic - MOTM: Dzagoev (RUS)

Group B
Denmark 1-0 Holland - MOTM: Kjaar (DEN)
Germany 1-0 Portugal - MOTM: Hummels (GER)

Group C
Ireland 1-3 Croatia - MOTM: Mandzukic (CRO)
Spain 1-1 Italy - MOTM: Iniesta (SPA)

Group D
France 1-1 England - MOTM: Terry (ENG)
Ukraine 2-1 Sweden - MOTM: Shevchenko (UKR)