![]() His intelligent, simple use of the ball contributed immensely to the success enjoyed by Barcelona and Spain and he was named Player of the Tournament here. Xavi Hernández (Spain) Joined Barcelona aged 11, picked up his first league title in 1999 and debuted for Spain in 2000, but his talents really came to the fore at the 2006 World Cup. Spent 11 years with the Yellow Submarine in all but his only honour in Europe came in this tournament, where he won five of his 28 caps. Started the first two matches at the 2006 World Cup but truly established himself here as a powerful running ball-winner with a shrewd tactical sense. Marcos Senna (Spain) The Brazilian-born former Corinthians midfielder made his international debut in March 2006 off the back of several superb performances in Villarreal’s charge to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Voted best player as Croatia reached the final at the World Cup in 2018, capping that year with the Ballon d’Or, and is closing in on Darijo Srna’s appearance record for his country. Moved to Real Madrid in 2012, winning the UEFA Champions League four times in six years. Luka Modrić (Croatia) The diminutive playmaker, who had just sealed a move from Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham, illuminated the finals with skilful runs and shrewd passes, and scored the tournament's opening goal against Austria. Luka Modrić was the key component of an eye-catching Croatia side at UEFA EURO 2008 ©Getty Images MIDFIELDERS The 2010 World Cup winner, who scooped 69 caps, was a Sevilla youth-team graduate but spent most of his career at Valencia, claiming a UEFA Cup and two Liga titles. Went on to set a world record of 50 international matches unbeaten before losing his spot to Gerard Piqué. Dovetailed perfectly with Puyol in the centre of defence, often man-marking the opposition's main striker while his partner mopped up around him. Honours at Barcelona included three UEFA Champions League triumphs and six Liga titles.Ĭarlos Marchena (Spain) A 1999 Under-20 World Cup winner alongside Casillas and Xavi Hernández, Marchena joined them in this triumphant campaign. The shaggy-haired centre-back, who won 100 caps, was a one-club man. ![]() Here he featured in five of Spain's six matches, helping Luis Aragonés' men keep clean sheets in their last three games – against Italy, Russia and Germany. Philipp Lahm’s late winner sent Germany to the UEFA EURO 2008 final ©Getty ImagesĬarles Puyol (Spain) The sleek Spain side that followed up victory at UEFA EURO 2008 by clinching the 2010 World Cup had a steely element, epitomised by the rugged Puyol.
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