The opening stages have now come to a close and so far we have seen a tournament that has garnered rave reviews, with attacking flair overcoming defensive nous and overall high extremely standard of play with only the deathly dull Greeks not offering anything to the neutral. Now after the final games of Group D have finished, here are the top XI players to have caught my eye so far.
Buffon (Italy)
While Boruc has been the busiest of the keepers involved in the opening rounds, a stunning penalty save vs Romania sees Buffon show he really is the world's best.
Lahm (Germany)
Comfortable on either flank, provides excellent support going forward and is underrated defensively
Van Bronckhorst (Holland)
Part of several stunning Dutch counter-attacks that have been the highlight of the tournament so far, also possess a sweet left foot
Pepe (Portugal)
Summing up the mood of the tournament so far, Pepe has made an equal impressive impression with his bursts forward from the centre of defense as opposed to his tough tackling
Kovac (Croatia)
Croatia have the best team ethic of any involved, and Kovac is their leader and the rock which they are built around
Fabregas (Spain)
Limited impact from the bench so far, but has shown some beautiful touches when called on - it should an unwritten law that any Dream Team includes Cesc.
Ballack (Germany)
All of Germany's attacks go through the Chelsea midfielder and his ability equals his smugness. Which is a lot. Stunning free kick vs Autria
Deco (Portugal)
While CR7 grabs all the headlines, Deco has been quietly pulling the strings in Portugal's silky smooth football. I'm not entirely sure why Barca want rid of him as he is still one of the best in the world with a underrated work ethic too.
Sneijder (Holland)
The architect behind the Dutch success story so far and has scored argueably the goal of the tournament do far.
Robben (Holland)
Has made an awesome impact from the bench, tearing the French apart in the second half with his pace and skill. Still lightweight so it remains to be seen if he can go the difference in a major tournament without crying off injured.
Villa (Spain)
Alongside Torres, their partnership has ripped apart a strong Russian and made them look mediocre, a three dimensional forward who can play many a role, his goals have surely sent his value through the roof.
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