Our football desk look back at Euro 2012 and reflect on what transpired in Poland and Ukraine.
Pete Fraser
Favourite moment - Spain winning Euro 2012: There are so many to choose from in a thoroughly entertaining tournament. Andrea Pirlo's chipped penalty against England or Donetsk's apocalyptic storm are both worth of a mention. But the highlight was Spain's final win over Italy. It was a performance of sublime skill and confidence in the face of accusations of a boring style.
Best player - Andres Iniesta: To add to the Spain and Barcelona star's list of attributes, he also seems to be a thoroughly likeable individual. Iniesta's quiet nature means he does not receive as much praise as some other members of Spain's all-conquering squad. But his team ethic ensures he does not care for individual accolades. His pass to Cesc Fabregas in the build-up to David Silva's opening goal in the final was simply stunning and epitomised his tournament.
Biggest flop - Wojciech Szczesny: Described by many as one of the best up and coming goalkeepers in Europe, he was supposed to be a key player for co-hosts Poland as they planned for a place in the knockout stages. Instead, he looked a bundle of nerves in the tournament opener against Greece, was sent off after 69 minutes and was consequently suspended for the remainder of Poland's participation.
Emerging star - Alan Dzagoev: It will be a surprise if the 22-year-old lasts the summer at CSKA Moscow after impressing with Russia, despite Dick Advocaat's side surprisingly failing to make it out of Group A. Dzagoev scored three goals from the left side of Russia's three-pronged attack and he has since been linked with Arsenal.
Best coach - Vicente del Bosque: Dealt with the pressure of Spain being the favourites, remained fully committed to his methods and ignored any criticism from sceptics. He is now the only manager in history to have won the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League.
Best game - Poland 1 Russia 1: The group stages were more entertaining than most of the knockout rounds and this game was the pick of the bunch. Despite the unsavoury atmosphere off the field in Warsaw, the match was a gripping, end-to-end contest. Twenty-two attempts at goal resulted in a 1-1 draw, while Jakub Blaszczykowski's equaliser for Poland was one of the goals of the tournament.
Biggest gripe - Mexican Waves: It is tempting to mention Slavek and Slavko dancing to 'Moves Like Jagger' at the first semi-final, which combined two major peeves - official mascots and Maroon 5. But, instead, Mexican Waves and people who complained about dull football is the biggest complaint. Spain's technical brilliance has made them the greatest international team in history. Anyone who described them as 'boring' should be feeling slightly silly.
England verdict: Roy Hodgson deserves credit for bonding the squad. But it should be remembered the much-praised base in Krakow city centre was selected in the days of predecessor Fabio Capello. On the field, it is difficult to understand all the disappointment. England performed to their usual standards as a squad who are behind the times both technically, tactically and mentally.
