Fabulous Fabio, Immortal Iker – How Real Madrid players did at the Euros

Before the Euros kicked off, we were all excited about how our players would do at the Euros. Almost every Madridista kept his/her eyes on the players. And why not? A lot of expectations and hopes were laid on the shoulders of our players and I must admit that, mostly, they didn’t fail.

So as the Euros have concluded, here is a look at how our players did at the Euros.

Karim Benzema

Was the first Real Madrid player to go out of Euro 2012 when his France were pitted against World Champions, Spain.

Before the tournament began, Benzema promised to dedicate his goal to Florentino Perez and his wife Pitina, who passed away some days before the Euros started.

However, that goal never came.

After playing 4 matches in the Euros, one would have thought that Benzema would have scored at least once given his form of late. But it wasn’t to be as a combination of a lot of things – lack of service from his team-mates, rarely making runs inside the box (which might have been because of the lack of service), slow build-up play and so on – prevented Benzema from opening his account at the Euros.

Benzema made 17 shots in 3 games and most of them were attempted from outside the box. One could criticise him for not making enough runs inside the box, but whenever he was seen inside the box, he was either really isolated or that killer pass didn’t come quick enough. And thus Benzema decided to stay close to his team-mates and for that he dropped really deep at times, leaving no French players in the box to aim play balls to.

Benzema was so isolated in the box that he decided to drop really deep to help with the build-up play and gradually move towards the goal along with his team-mates. He wanted to drag his team-mates with him to the goal, but it didn’t work out as by the time Benzema and his mates reached the box, the opposition team had several defenders already covering the area and hence breaking up the play which was built.

One game where he played well was against Ukraine. In that particular game, in the first half, it was the same old story. But in the second half, his game improved when Yohan Cabaye was constantly making bombarding runs into the box, giving Benzema someone to work with. And it did work as France won 2-0 and both the goals were assisted by Benzema.

Apart from that match, Euro 2012 was disappointing for Benzema – not only for Benzema alone, but for all French players.

We Madridistas now hope that Benzema recovers from this and has an even better season, than the season prior, with Real Madrid next.

Umid’s rating – 6/10.Anita’s rating – 6/10.Rena’s rating – 6.5/10.Manar’s rating – 6/10.Ashay’s rating – 5.5/10.

Fabio Coentrao

The way he started the tournament gave us an idea of how his overall performance in the tournament would be. Receiving the ball for the first time in the tournament, he went past 3 German players and created a goal-scoring chance on his own before the Germans broke the attack down.

It was a sign of things to come.

A very few people expected Portugal to make it to the quarter-finals, given the tough opponents they had in the group. But Coentrao’s massive contributions in both attack and defense ensured a place for Portugal in the quarter-finals.

Coentrao performed extremely well in all the 5 matches he played. Frequently bombarding forward, executing accurate crosses, linking up well with Cristiano, blocking every shot he could using every part of his body, defending with all his might, almost nothing went down his flank and most of Portugal’s goals came from his flank, too.

His performances in the Euros reminded me of the greatest left-back of all time: Paolo Maldini. Mind you, he just reminded me of him, I myself don’t think that there could be another left-back who could consistently perform like how Maldini did.

However, if Coentrao continues to perform like this consistently, he would surely end up being one of the best left-backs of all time.

Many Madridistas, including me, were wondering why he doesn’t play like this for Real. Now all us Madridistas are hoping that Coentrao continues this with Real and that would give us an extra weapon next season. Marcelo must be on his toes after seeing how Fabio did in the Euro. He’s got some competition now!

Umid’s rating – 10/10.Anita’s rating – 10/10.Rena’s rating – 10/10.Manar’s rating – 10/10.Ashay’s rating – 9.5/10

Pepe

This guy is a beast. A beast of a defender.

Pepe was another reason for Portugal’s brilliant run in the Euros. His no-nonsense approach to the game saved Portugal on a number of occasions, especially when Bruno Alves had one of those moments which he regularly has (failing in judgment, making mistimed aerial jumps and so on).

His man-of-the-match performance against Denmark was a testament to the fact that he is, indeed, one of the best defenders the world of football has at the moment. Add to that, he received just one yellow in the whole tournament – that too, in the semi-final, the 5th match, against Spain.

There were some people in the Madridista amalgamation who wanted Pepe out of Real after his violent conduct against Messi. And they were probably justified at that time given that his acts were tarnishing the reputation of our great club. But in the Euros, he showed that when he keeps his madness under control, he not only is a great defender, but also a great leader on the pitch who can organise the defense – that is what we need, that is what we have been needing since Hierro left.

That leadership skill in organising the defense was what was missing from our team. That was one of the reasons why our defense sometimes tended to lose its concentration last season. However, Pepe has shown that he is more than capable of being a leader in defense and hopefully, he will be that with Real Madrid next season.

Umid’s rating – 9/10.Anita’s rating – 10/10.Rena’s rating – 9/10.Manar’s rating – 9.5/10.Ashay’s rating – 9/10.

Cristiano Ronaldo

His goals sent Portugal to the semi-final.

When his haters were ready to pounce on him – they got a field-day after Cristiano’s horrendous performance against the Danes, for which he was crucified in the newspapers all over the World – he decided that he’s had enough and shot straight back at them by scoring twice against the Dutch and once against the Czechs to send Portugal to the semis of Euro 2012.

But even after such accomplishments, his haters still taunted him with the Messi chants – the same Messi who couldn’t score and take his team beyond the quarter-final in the Copa America.

In the semi-final, when 120 minutes of football couldn’t decide the winner, the game went to penalties. Cristiano was chosen to take the fifth penalty by Bento. However, as luck would have it, Cristiano couldn’t take his penalty as Spain won the shootout before Cristiano could take it.

And then there was more criticism.

Criticism on Cristiano for not taking his penalty earlier. It was like Cristiano was supposed to be psychic and know that Bruno Alves and Moutinho would miss their penalties and thus he should have taken his kick earlier.

The amount of people blaming Cristiano is fascinating given that I have not seen a single person blaming the guys who actually missed their penalties: Moutinho and Bruno Alves. Cristiano must be the first person in the history of football to be blamed for his country’s loss when he didn’t even get the chance to take his penalty.

If this keeps up, it won’t take long when we start seeing people blaming Cristiano for the economic crisis of the World.

It is really a shame that most people will forget his amazing performances in this Euro, to get Portugal to the semi-final, and remember him for the decision of him being the fifth penalty taker and thus not getting a chance to take that penalty at all.

Anyways, for me, he had an excellent tournament. And people who have any knowledge of the game would agree.

Umid’s rating – 8.5/10.Anita’s rating – 9/10.Rena’s rating – 9/10.Manar’s rating – 9/10.Ashay’s rating – 7/10.

Mesut Ozil

After 2 quiet games, by his standards, Mesut picked himself up for the 3rd and 4th game putting in majestic performances to help Germany reach the semi-final.

The 2 quiet games were not all his fault, though, as Joachim Low opted to use a conservative approach to Germany’s game because they were facing two tough teams in Portugal and Holland. He used Podolski and Muller as left and right-midfielders, respectively, who were burdened by a lot of defensive duties (so much that, at times, you’d think that Germany were playing a 4-4-1-1 formation).

Ozil is a player who thrives playing one-touch quick pass-and-move football. But when he got the ball, he found no team-mates to play one-twos with, as they were too far away from him.

But against Denmark and Greece, where the Germans attacked, he starting showing how well he could play when he is given the right kind of environment.

In the first 2 games, even if he was quiet by his standards, he made space for his other team-mates, by dragging out the defensive midfielder with his clever movements, which they exploited.

Germany bowed out of the competition in the semi-final when they were defeated by Italy. Low opted to go with a 4-3-3 with Ozil on the right, he was one again isolated and thus put in an average performance. He, however, scored the consolation goal for Germany via a penalty in the last minute of injury time.

Ozil is only 23 and has already suffered 4 knock-outs from semi-finals in 4 major tournaments. Here is hoping that he wins the Champions League with Real next season to end this hoodoo.

Umid’s rating – 8/10.Anita’s rating – 8/10.Rena’s rating – 8/10.Manar’s rating – 8/10.Ashay’s rating – 8/10.

Sami Khedira

Always there to shield the back 4, always there in the box to score a goal – that is how Sami played in the Euros. A lot of Madridistas were really surprised with Sami Khedira’s exceptional overall performance at the Euros.

I was a bit surprised, but not as much because I knew what Sami is capable of when he gets the freedom of playing in his natural box-to-box role. That is how he plays for Germany and that is how he used to play at Stuttgart before we signed him.

In the first 2 games for Germany, he was asked to play in a more conservative role by Low. But in the next 3 games, he was back to his natural role and shone in it. Against Denmark, he made a lot of key-passes and against Greece he scored a cracking goal and was all over the pitch.

Against Italy, he caused some problems for the Italian defense with his forward runs. However, he couldn’t score.

When there were cries from some Madridistas, including me, to sign a world-class box-to-box midfielder, Sami showed us that he IS a world-class box-to-box midfielder and we don’t need to sign anyone (unless, of course, if Lass and/or Altintop leave). It just depends on Mou, whether he wants to give Khedira that freedom of playing in his natural box-to-box role.

I am sure that if Mou gives Sami that freedom, he would replicate his Euro performances for Real Madrid next season.

Umid’s rating – 9.5/10.Anita’s rating – 9.5/10.Rena’s rating – 9.5/10.Manar’s rating – 9.5/10.Ashay’s rating – 9/10

Raul Albiol

Didn’t get to play a single minute in the whole tournament.

Alvaro Arbeloa

Too Spartan to handle.

Arbeloa is one of those players whose contribution to his team is almost always unsung. However, when he makes a mistake, it will almost always be there on the lips of people.

A lot of people were skeptical about Arbeloa’s ability; whether he had what it takes be a starter for Spain. Most of them called him the weakest link in the Spain defense. Arbeloa shut them all up by his performance on pitch.

In fact, he not only defended well, but also contributed a lot to the attack. Against Portugal, in the first half, the going got tough for Arbeloa when he had to face his club-mate, Cristiano. But when the going gets tough, Arbeloa gets going and he basically nullified Cristiano’s effect in the second half.

His performance against Italy in the final was brilliant. At times, Mario went to the left flank to cut inside from there, but Arbeloa made sure that Mario couldn’t do it. When Mario went back in the middle, Balzaretti was bombarding on the left-flank, but once again Arbeloa showed how good he is and nullified Balzaretti’s effect as well.

That’s stopping 2 guys of different style – one who cuts inside with the right-foot and the other one who knocks the ball past the full-back with the left-foot like a classic out-and-out winger/full-back – in the same game.

He also stretched Italy’s backline with his forward runs. Spain played with 2 inverted wingers in Iniesta and Silva and they mostly operated in central zones, making the system very narrow. So it was up to Alba and Arbeloa to give Spain the necessary width and they did it very nicely.

Arbeloa is not your flashy, pleasing-to-the-eye right-back. He is a solid defensive right-back and is arguably the best at it.

Umid’s rating – 8/10.Anita’s rating – 9/10.Manar’s rating – 8/10.Ashay – 7/10.

Xabi Alonso

The boss.

A lot of people undermine Xabi Alonso’s presence in Spain’s starting XI, calling him an unnecessary player in the starting XI due to the presence of another deep-lying playmaker, Xavi.

He has, however, proven, time and time again, how important he is for the Spain team and this Euro was not an exception as Xabi Alonso stamped his authority, ike a boss.

Xabi’s best game was against France where he scored 2 goals and had a complete game – passed like a boss, defended like a boss and attacked like a boss. Even if you remove the 2 goals; he was immense, all over the pitch.

When Xavi had an average tournament, apart from the final, Xabi was the one who made sure Xavi’s less-than-flattering performances didn’t affect Spain’s play. Against France and Portugal, he made more passes than Xavi – just goes to Xabi’s ability to take the pressure and carry his team forward.

When Puyol was declared unfit for Euros, there was concern; not only because he is a great defender, but also because Puyol is an exemplary leader on the field. His lion-hearted personality and drive on the pitch was what made him an irreplaceable player in La Roja’s defense.

But now, he wasn’t there.

Who would be the on-field leader now, thought many. Steps in Xabi Alonso. Like a boss. And it was his bossy attitude which gave Spain the new leader on the pitch they so desperately needed.

Organising the defense when Spain didn’t have possession, instructing the players in front of him on where to move when he had the ball at his feet, La Roja had found its leader.

Not many will be talking about Xabi’s leadership in this Euro; this is something which will be left unsung. But his leadership was one of the key reasons to Spain Euro 2012 triumph.

And that is why Xabi is indispensable.

Umid’s rating – 9/10.Anita’s rating – 10/10.Manar’s rating – 9/10.Ashay’s rating – 9.5/10.

Sergio Ramos

When Xabi Alonso stepped up to fill the out-field leader’s void left by the absence of Puyol, Sergio Ramos stepped up to fill in the World-class defender’s void left by Puyol’s absence.

Many were skeptical about Ramos’ and Pique’s center-back pairing, but those doubts turned out to be unnecessary as Pique and Ramos formed the best center-back pairing, at a major tournament, in Spain’s history – Spain conceded only 1 goal in Euro 2012 and Sergio Ramos deserves a lot of credit for that.

Spain’s backline was breached only a few times in the tournament and only once the ball found its way into Spain’s goal – the rest found the hands of Iker Casillas. Ramos only made one mistake in the whole tournament and that was against Mario Balotelli in the group game against Italy when he messed up a clearance and Mario was clean through on goal with only Iker to beat, but Sergio recovered and dispossessed Mario.

Just one mistake – which he himself rectified – in the whole tournament, just goes to show how amazingly he played. Against Italy in the final, he played his best game as he didn’t allow Mario Balotelli or Cassano to do any damage and consistently threatened to score.

Against France and Portugal, he was unbreakable. He didn’t allow Benzema to have a say in the game and Benzema had to be content with harmless shots from outside the box. He knew how Benzema would try to drag him out of position by dropping deep, but he never fell in that trap.

Against Portugal, it was the show of 2 defenders – Pepe and Ramos. It was almost like they both were in a individual battle between each other and had the ‘what you can do, I can do it better’ mentality. When Cristiano shifted to the right, Ramos had to work a lot harder to stop him, especially when Portugal counter-attacked as Alba was higher up on the pitch and Ramos had to move to the left to make sure Cristiano is dispossessed or else he’d have hurt Spain.

To top of the brilliant performance, he executed a Panenka chip in the shoot-out to give Spain the psychological edge.

He was ranked 1 in Castrol’s rating and also made it to UEFA’s Euro 23 man squad – these are testaments to how good Ramos was in the Euros.

In my opinion, this was Sergio Ramos’ best ever tournament, so far, in his professional career (Club included). He is still young and his best years are ahead of him. If he keeps progressing and playing like that, he is going to cement his place as one of the top 10 center-backs of all time by the time he retires.

Umid’s rating – 10/10.Anita’s rating – 10/10.Manar’s rating – 10/10.Ashay’s rating – 8/10.

Iker Casillas

Saint Iker Casillas.

What would Spain and Real Madrid do without him? Just the thought of Spain and Real Madrid without Iker Casillas sends shivers down my spine. When there is no hope, there is Iker Casillas. He saves them all in the hour of need.

Spain’s backline in the Euro was great; very compact and cohesive. However, it was not perfect. Whenever the Spanish backline got breached, all eyes were on Iker to pull off a save. And he always did – apart from the one time when Di Natale got the better of him.

Match vs Croatia. Scores were locked at 0-0. Italy were winning their game against Ireland. A goal for Croatia would mean that Spain were out of Euros from the group stage itself. Luka Modric floated in a cross for Rakitic. Rakitic headed it from point-blank range. And Spain almost conceded. Almost crashed out of Euros.

Almost.

But they didn’t; Iker came to the rescue again. He made one of the best saves in the tournament to keep out Rakitic’s header. That save was made so fast that, in contrast, the speed of light would look like a tortoise moving. The reflex speed was God-like. That reflex saved Spain and kept them in the tournament.

Then against Portugal in the penalty shoot-out. Xabi steps up to take the penalty. And missed. Pressure on Spain. Pressure on Iker to pull off a miracle. Pressure on Iker to put Spain back level. Moutinho stepped up against Iker. He shot.

Iker saved. Saved Spain once again.

Against Italy, Iker made numerous interceptions, which, if not intercepted, could have cost Spain. Be it Balzaretti’s cross or Pirlo’s corners, he intercepted them and made sure Italy didn’t score. He saved Di Natale’s shot late in the game and ensured that he set a new record for the ‘keeper to not have conceded a goal for the most number of minutes in European Championships by keeping a clean sheet for 509 minutes.

After the win against Italy, Iker also became the first player to reach 100 wins international wins. He also became the first captain ever to win 3 major back-to-back international tournaments.

Iker’s legacy will never fade away – even after 10000 years. He will, till the end of the World, be remembered as one of the best ‘keepers to have ever played Football and a saint who graced this Earth with his presence.

No ratings for Iker Casillas as rating a saint would be an unforgivable act of sin and we don’t want to do that and displease God.