Euro 2012 Team of the quarter-finals: Buffon & Cristiano Ronaldo among stars heading for last four

25-Jun-2012 11:55:00 AM

Portugal, Germany, Spain and Italy have advanced to the semi-finals after decisive contributions from some key performers

The semi-finals have been decided after a quartet of tense matches in the last eight, and there were a number of standout performers guiding their nations ever closer to Euro glory.

In goal, Gianluigi Buffon denied England by plucking a chance from Glen Johnson out of the air, and then made a vital spot-kick save from Ashley Cole in the shoot-out.

At the back, Glen Johnson made several blocks as England kept the Azzurri out, while Pepe was dominant in defence for Portugal, not even allowing the Czechs a shot on target. Mats Hummels was solid in Germany's 4-2 victory over Greece, while Jordi Alba produced an inspired display in both attack and defence as Spain dominated France.

Xabi Alonso marked his 100th cap with a superb brace to send La Roja into the semi-finals. Andrea Pirlo proved to be Italy's heartbeat once again, controlling the game against England, and then chipped home a cheeky penalty in the shoot-out. Another of Germany's top performers was Sami Khedira, who was inspirational against the Greeks, lashing home a thunderous volley.

Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose combined to devastating effect, both scoring fine goals in Germany's triumph. Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero for Portugal once again, sending his side into the last four with a thumping header.

BUFFON

ITALY

JOHNSON	PEPE	HUMMELS	JORDI ALBA


ENGLAND	PORTUGAL	GERMANY	SPAIN

XABI ALONSO	PIRLO	KHEDIRA


SPAIN	ITALY	GERMANY

REUS	KLOSE	RONALDO


GERMANY	GERMANY	PORTUGAL

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