Euro 2012 concluded yesterday evening, with Spain breaking numerous records thanks to a 4-0 win over Italy.
The tournament as a whole has been well received by supporters, with many suggesting that it had been the best major international competition for some time.
With the dust now settling on Spain's triumph, UEFA handed out their awards earlier today. Not to be outdone by the governing body, Sports Mole have also chosen our best and worst moments of the past month.
Player of the tournament
Before last night's final, it seemed certain that this award would go to Italy's Andrea Pirlo. However, we're going to have to agree with UEFA on this one and hand it to Andres Iniesta. The Spanish playmaker produced a string of consistent displays leading up to the final. Yesterday, though, he took his performance to a altogether higher level. He may not have scored, but his movement and passing was nothing short of world class.
Best match
It may not have been technically easy on the eye at times, but there was not a more entertaining 90 minutes of action than Poland's 1-1 draw with Russia in the group stages. The Russians were totally dominant before the break and deservedly took the lead through Alan Dzagoev. However, the co-hosts responded positively and a wonderful goal from captain Jakub Blaszczykowski levelled up proceedings. Both sides had numerous chances to win the match in the closing stages, but neither were able to find the decisive goal. At that stage it was unthinkable to imagine that neither nation would get out of their group.
Best goal
It was going to take something special to stop Polish skipper Blaszczykowski from claiming this award. Step forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who acrobatically put Sweden in front during their final group game against France. The AC Milan striker had no right to volley in from the edge of the area, but he sent a powerful strike beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris into the French net with enviable ease.
Best moment
It may have happened early on in the tournament, but nothing can beat Andriy Shevchenko's match-winning exploits for co-hosts Ukraine against Sweden. The veteran striker found the net twice after the restart to hand his nation a 2-1 victory in what would prove to be his last major international tournament.
Overachievers
Very few people tipped Italy to get anywhere near the final of Euro 2012. In all honesty, many felt that Spain and Croatia would advance out of the group at the expense of the Azzurri. Nevertheless, they finished second in the group stages, before recording impressive wins over England and the much-fancied Germany to reach the final.
Underachievers
Holland were among the favourites to win the competition this summer. While they did have a tough group, the fact that they failed to pick up a single point against Denmark, Germany and Portugal was a massive disappointment for Oranje. Coach Bert van Marwijk paid the ultimate price when the level of criticism forced him to resign.
Biggest mistake
Cristiano Ronaldo lit up the tournament at times with his performances for the Portuguese. However, a combination of the Real Madrid attacker and coach Paulo Bento may very well have cost their nation a place in the final. Having drawn 0-0 over 120 minutes in the semi-finals with eventual champions Spain, penalties were required to determine a winner. Ronaldo, the team's number one penalty taker, was nowhere to be seen as his side lost 4-2 to their Iberian neighbours. He had been due to take the fifth kick, which was not needed thanks to a miss from Bruno Alves. Had Ronaldo stepped up earlier, who knows what could have happened?
Best coverage
The rating figures for the final tell you all you need to know really. Reportedly 13 million people tuned in to watch the BBC's coverage, while just over 2 million watched ITV's offering. The fact that the BBC have a former international footballer in the presenting chair and ITV have Adrian Chiles is probably a large reason behind such statistics.
Liam Apicella
