Seven unheralded, rising stars of Euro 2012

As the quadrennial European Championships come to a close after a month’s entertainment, it’s time to look back and review various aspects of the wonderful event. Here’s a list of the players who have dazzled for their respective teams despite being relative unknowns to the majority of the masses prior to the tournament. Some of those listed have earned their big move into the elite while the others have been celebrated in their homelands.

Petr Jiracek of Czech Republic

PETR JIRACEK (Czech Republic)

Petr Jiracek was one of the stars for the Czech Republic at the Euros. His almost boundless energy,drive and persistence will be well remembered by the Czech fans. He scored two of the most important Czech goals of the tournament, his first was against Greece in just the 3rd minute of the game which set the tone for the evening and his second came against co-hosts Poland which propelled them to the top of group A and won him the Carlsberg Man of the Match prize. Born on 2nd March 1986 in the erstwhile Czechoslovakia, Petr was a late bloomer on the international scene. Having never played in the lower age groups for his country, Petr got his first cap in September 2011 against Scotland in a friendly. His energetic displays as a box-to-box midfielder for Viktoria Plze? in the UEFA Champions League against the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan earned him a move abroad to VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.

Vaclav Pilar of Czech Republic

VACLAV PILAR (Czech Republic)

Many tipped Vaclav Pilar to succeed in the Euros and the diminutive winger did not disappoint. Dubbed as the Czech Messi because of his electric speed and lively dribbling, Pilar was a major attacking weapon for the Czechs down the left wing. He provided the goods too, chipping in with 2 goals, both in the group stages against Russia and Greece. Starting his career with Czech club Hradec Králové, Pilar found plenty of admirers and spent last season on loan with Viktoria Plze? where he started every UEFA Champions League Group Stage games. Pilar is set to join compatriot Petr Jiracek at German club VfL Wolfsburg next season.

Theodor Gebre Selassie of Czech Republic

THEODOR GEBRE SELASSIE(czech republic)

Gebre Selassie was a breath of fresh air in the tournament with his lung bursting runs down the flanks and energetic presence in the Czech defence. Born to an Ethiopian father and a Czech mother, Theodor was the tormentor-in-chief against Greece, providing the assist for his side’s second goal. His performances in the tournament haven’t gone unnoticed with German club Werder Bremen quickly snapping him up mid-tournament from Czech champions Slovan Liberec.

Dimitris Salpigidis of Greece

DIMITRIS SALPINGIDIS (Greece)

A livewire on the pitch, Dimitris Salpingidis was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dull and obtuse Greek side. Blessed with electric pace and an eye for goal, Salpi, as he is better known as, scored two goals and assisted one as Greece stumbled onto the quarter finals. He was a supposed “game changer” in Fernando Santos‘ side but quickly changed his coach’s perception of him when he delivered a high quality performance in the opening match against Poland where he came off the bench and single handedly threatened to win it for Greece, scoring the equaliser and then earning a penalty which captain Karagounis missed. He was the only Greek player to come away with some credit against Germany in the quarters with a goal and an assist.

Krohn-Dehli in action against Germany

MICHAEL KROHN-DEHLI (Denmark)

Krohn-Dehli was one of Denmark’s star performers of the tournament.The former Ajax winger set the Danes off to a flying start in the tournament when he netted the only goal in the upset win over Netherlands which won him the Carlsberg Man of the Match prize.Krohn-Dehli was a constant menace to opposing full backs down the left wing where his trickery and quick movement left them for dead. Krohn-Dehli supplied the assist for Nicklas Bendtner’s opener against Portugal and himself scored an unlikely headed goal against Germany. It was a tournament which reminded the world of his talents which went missing after being tipped for greatness and labelled a wonderkid as a teenager.

Ivan Strinic of Croatia

IVAN STRINIC (Croatia)

Ivan Strinic was one of the few players in the Croatia side who were into their first major international tournament. Considered an inexperienced member of the side having played only nine competitive games, Strinic was one of the finds of the Euros. As a relative newcomer, he played full 90 minutes of all the group games, keeping out the highly experienced Danijel Pranjic. The 24 year old left back provided the assist for Mario Mandzukic’s equaliser against Italy. He bossed his flank well and provided a constant threat down the left with his energy and precise delivery.

Mario Mandzukic of Croatia

MARIO MANDZUKIC (Croatia)

Mario Mandzukic showcased his ability to the world with his solid showing at the Euros. The lanky 6 ft 1 in target man caused all sorts of problems for opposition defenders with his strength and aerial ability. He showed his aerial prowess as all three of his goals came through his head. He was a real fox-in-the-box and won the Carlsberg Man of the Match prize against Republic of Ireland for his impressive display. Against Italy,he grabbed the equaliser with a trademark header midway through the second half. The 26-year old got his just rewards for the headline-grabbing performances as he was signed by UEFA Champions League runner-up FC Bayern soon after his and Croatia’s tournament ended.