Euro 2016 Round of 16: Ultimate Team of the Week
The Round of 16 at Euro 2016 delivered memorable moments and stand-out performances across Europe’s biggest footballing stage. From heroic saves to stunning goals, this all-star selection highlights the players who truly rose to the occasion, plus key tactical figures and unforgettable matches that shaped the knockout rounds.
Goalkeeper Spotlight: Lukasz Fabianski’s Vital Role
Poland owe much of their successful progression to the reflexes and poise of Lukasz Fabianski. Facing Switzerland, Fabianski delivered a masterclass in goalkeeping, making seven crucial saves to keep the score level after 120 minutes. His outstanding interventions included a right-handed denial against Derdiyok and a spectacular block from Ricardo Rodriguez’s powerful free kick. Notably, Fabianski was so involved that he registered 66 touches—more than any other Polish player. Thanks to his consistency and composure, Poland were able to edge through on penalties.
Defensive Stalwarts: The Round’s Elite Centre Backs
The heart of any great side is built on its defenders, and this round saw some towering performances:
- James Chester (Wales): Chester led a disciplined Welsh backline in a tense 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. His stats underscore his influence: seven tackles won, 82 touches, 67 passes completed, and four critical clearances—key numbers that helped Wales reach their first-ever European quarter-final.
- Ragnar Sigurdsson (Iceland): Sigurdsson epitomized Iceland’s fighting spirit against England. He scored Iceland’s equalizer, then marshalled the defense with four aerial wins, five interceptions, ten clearances, and three tackles—including a critical goal-saving intervention on Jamie Vardy. His relentless determination inspired Iceland’s historic upset.
- Giorgio Chiellini (Italy): Chiellini was instrumental in Italy’s tactical win over Spain. He opened the scoring, won all his tackles, made three clearances and three interceptions, and dominated in duels to help secure a clean sheet. Chiellini’s leadership and tactical discipline allowed Italy to neutralize one of the tournament favorites.
Midfield Engines: Creativity and Control
Consistent midfield dominance is the mark of any top team, and these players dictated play both offensively and defensively:
- Radja Nainggolan (Belgium): Nainggolan directed Belgium’s midfield with energy and intelligence in a 4-0 win. With an impressive 86% passing accuracy, perfect aerial duels, four tackles, three chances created, and an assist for Ferreira-Carrasco, he was crucial bridging attack and defense.
- Jakub Blaszczykowski (Poland): Blaszczykowski was pivotal for Poland against Switzerland, scoring the opener and contributing in all phases of play. He logged seven tackles, two shots, four crosses, and four chances created—showcasing both defensive work rate and attacking threat.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): De Bruyne’s playmaking lit up the night against Hungary, as he provided two assists—one via a pinpoint free kick and another launching Eden Hazard’s late strike. A constant creative force, he produced seven shots and delivered ten crosses, relentlessly driving Belgium’s attack.
- Julian Draxler (Germany): Draxler shone as Germany’s standout against Slovakia. With eight completed dribbles, one goal scored, and an assist for Mario Gomez, he was instrumental in Germany’s commanding 3-0 display.
- Eden Hazard (Belgium): Hazard delivered arguably the tournament’s most dazzling individual performance, dismantling Hungary with a goal, an assist, eleven dribbles, and four chances created. His movement and skill set the tone for Belgium’s emphatic victory.
Attackers Who Made the Difference
Clinical finishing and attacking craft defined the forwards who propelled their nations onward:
- Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland): After a subdued group stage, Shaqiri rediscovered top form versus Poland. He scored a spectacular overhead volley to equalize in the 82nd minute, completed 92% of his passes, and ran the show during the second half and extra time, creating significant opportunities for Switzerland.
- Antoine Griezmann (France): Griezmann’s second-half double secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against the Republic of Ireland. Displaying composure with both a header and a left-footed finish, he also contributed defensively with three tackles and three blocks—an all-action display typical of his tournament form.
Tactical Formation: The 3-5-2 Setup
The stand-out players fit seamlessly into a balanced 3-5-2 formation, which leverages defensive resilience while ensuring attacking width and depth. This structure showcased the flexibility and tactical sophistication on show in the Round of 16.
| Position | Player | National Team | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Lukasz Fabianski | Poland | 7 key saves vs Switzerland |
| Centre Back | James Chester | Wales | 7 tackles, 4 clearances vs Northern Ireland |
| Centre Back | Ragnar Sigurdsson | Iceland | Goal, 10 clearances vs England |
| Centre Back | Giorgio Chiellini | Italy | Scored, 3 clearances in win over Spain |
| Midfield | Radja Nainggolan | Belgium | Assist, 86% pass accuracy vs Hungary |
| Right Midfield | Jakub Blaszczykowski | Poland | Goal, 7 tackles vs Switzerland |
| Central Midfield | Kevin De Bruyne | Belgium | 2 assists, 10 crosses vs Hungary |
| Attacking Midfield | Julian Draxler | Germany | Goal, assist vs Slovakia |
| Left Midfield | Eden Hazard | Belgium | Goal, assist, 11 dribbles vs Hungary |
| Forward | Xherdan Shaqiri | Switzerland | Stunning equalizer vs Poland |
| Striker | Antoine Griezmann | France | 2 goals, 8 shots vs Republic of Ireland |
Key Substitutes Who Impressed
Several other players made strong claims for a place in the Team of the Week with exceptional performances off the bench or in rotation. Honorable mentions go to Thibaut Courtois, Gianluigi Buffon, Kari Arnason, Toby Alderweireld, Jerome Boateng, Toni Kroos, and Mario Gomez, who each contributed significantly in their respective ties.
Top Performer: Eden Hazard’s Outstanding Display
Eden Hazard’s explosive contribution against Hungary made him impossible to ignore. He tore through defenses, provided a goal and an assist, and orchestrated numerous attacks with creativity and flair. His dominance was a key factor in Belgium’s convincing win, and his performance stands out as one of the tournament’s best so far.
Managers Behind Success: Strategic Masterstrokes
Leadership from the touchline proved decisive in the Round of 16, with several managers executing near-perfect tactics:
- Heimir Hallgrimsson & Lars Lagerback (Iceland): Iceland’s co-managers masterminded a resolute, united display to shock England 2-1. Their team’s discipline, pressing, and tactical shape blunted England throughout, with every player performing their role to perfection—a landmark night for Icelandic football.
- Antonio Conte (Italy): Conte’s tactical acumen was evident as Italy nullified Spain, forcing them into ineffective possession and stifling their creative outlets. Team discipline was superb, highlighted by 19 interceptions, 23 clearances, and 16 blocks.
- Marc Wilmots (Belgium): Wilmots orchestrated Belgium’s best display of the tournament, getting team selection and tactics spot on in a 4-0 win over Hungary. His adjustment to midfield structure enabled De Bruyne and Hazard the freedom to thrive while maintaining balance and control.
Match and Moment to Remember
- Most Memorable Game: England 1-2 Iceland. A result that stunned Europe, marking one of the most iconic upsets in European Championship history.
- Unforgettable Scene: Iceland’s jubilant post-match celebrations captured the passion of a team—and a nation—seizing their moment on the world stage.
Looking Ahead: The Quarter Finals Await
With a blend of grit, flair, and tactical brilliance, the Euro 2016 Round of 16 delivered some unforgettable football. As the quarter finals approach, the tournament’s drama and unpredictability promise even more memorable performances in the next chapter of European football’s showpiece event. Stay tuned for further coverage and expert analysis.
