Home Football News Euro 2024: Euro Cup 2024’s Team of the Round of 16 stage

Euro 2024: Euro Cup 2024’s Team of the Round of 16 stage

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Euro 2024: Euro Cup 2024’s Team of the Round of 16 stage
Euro Cup 2024’s Team of the Round of 16 (Image: myKhel)

The Euro 2024 did not have the most enthusiastic knockouts till now, as European giants like France and Belgium have performed very unconvincingly in the Cup. Even a side like Austria, which looked to be most convincing in the group stages, faced an exit owing to the domination of the Dark Horses, Turkey.

From major flops by the greatest of players, from Ronaldo’s penalty miss to Diego Costa’s heroics in front of goal, Vestergaard’s last-minute own goal to exit the defending champions in the Round of 16 at the Euros 2024 has seen it all. This was a week of never-ending football action in Germany.

Let’s take a look at the Euro Round of 16’s best-playing XI, which does not include the likes of Mbappe, Griezmann, Morata, Gundogan, or Kane.

GOALKEEPER:

Diogo Costa

The Portuguese goalie is probably the only player to feature from the side, leaving behind contenders like Jan Oblak and Gunok, who too did a rather splendid job.

However, the Portugal shot-stopper kept their opponents away from scoring in spot penalties that provided their team with a straight entry into the Quarter-finals and also saved the end of his captain’s international career.

Defenders:

M.Demiral

The Turkish central defender was the sole scorer for Turkey in their success against Austria, as the Dark Horses rattled their opponents to guide themselves into the Quarter-finals. He scored twice first within the beginning seconds of the game followed by a second goal in the second half that handed them the win. He was also defensively stubborn, as he blocked and intercepted several Austrian forward runs and had commanding aerial presence.

A.Rudiger

German center-back once again proved why is he often said to be one of the best defenders in the world. Rudiger made several vital clearances as he also blocked a open net goal which had no chances for Neuer.

R.Dragusin

The Romanian center-back lies as the third central defender on our list, unlike other two defensive names he could not take his name to the other side of the line. Romania could not advance into the Quarter-finals, as Dragusin denied several chances at the Romanian goal, and made several vital clearances which could limit the Dutch to a 3-0 score line.

ALSO READ: Euro Cup: Unstoppable Yamal and Williams run riot to lead Spain into quarterfinals

MID-FIELDERS:

Rodri

The Spanish defensive midfielder once again rescued his team, who were lagging behind Georgia in the early minutes of the game. A long-distance stunner and a pure class in the mid-field, with a high defensive work rate, Rodri is a must-placed name on this list.

Jamal Musiala

The German attacking midfielder has had a season at its best, as he has often been Germany’s best man on the field. From stunning one-on-one scenarios to going lightning past several players in the defensive half of the opponents. He has been Germany’s highest and Euro’s joint-highest goalscorer.

Donyell Malen

After Netharlands’ outing against Romania, this name is not unknown to any. Came up as a 2nd-half substitute as he changed the course of the game with his stunning speed and caused a major threat in the opponent’s penalty box. Scored twice in a knockout game, and he assured Dutch entry into the final eight alongside Cody Gakpo.

Jude Bellingham

England’s golden boy and one of the biggest contenders for the Ballon d’Or, he has been proving his worth every time his side needed him. A falling apart England was once again rescued with one of the finest goals, a real contender for the Puskas, by the Real Madrid star.

The center-attacking midfielder scored from an overhead bicycle kick with only a minute left in the stoppage time to take England into extra time until Kane scored the winning goal against Slovenia.

FORWARDS

Nico Williams

The Spanish forward has been a constant threat down the left flank; despite the greatest of European giants playing along the side, Williams has stepped over all. His unmatchable agility, accurate crossing, and sublime finish make him a must on the left wing.

Arda Guler

Often referred to as Real Madrid’s Turkish Messi, the 19-year-old has been a star in the front half, despite not having many chances at goal. He has been a huge threat looming at the opposition’s half whenever the ball reached their half of play. His sublime ball control and playmaking ability like a Latin American star is what makes him one of the foremost contenders for the position of a secondary striker.

Cody Gakpo



The Dutch forward, who often sparks electric reflexes down the flanks, mostly left, has been the best finisher of the game against Romania. Netherlands’s highest scorer and a contender for the Golden Boot alongside Musiala, Gakpo is unfortunate to have not found the back of the net on repetitive occasions in the Round of 16 outing at Munich.

Having advanced to the quarterfinals, Gakpo, alongside Musiala, can be placed as the biggest contender for the Euro Golden Boot, though Bellingham, Kane, Fulkrug, and many more remain in contention.

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