Player of the Tournament – Andres Iniesta
Spanish left wing Andres Iniesta was named player of Euro 2012 on Monday by European football governing body UEFA.
The 28-year-old – who was man of the match in Spain’s historic 4-0 win over Italy in Sunday’s final – was selected by a technical committee made up of 11 people.
Whilst the Barcelona star failed to score and set up just one of the Spaniards goals through the tournament he won the award for his overall influence and effect on the Spanish attacking play.
However, his one assist was a crucial one as it set up Jesus Navas fr the only goal in the final group game against Croatia while his pass to Cesc Fabregas led to the first goal in the final – Fabregas’s cross being headed home by David Silva.
Iniesta, who prior to the final was battling out the player of the tournament award with Andrea Pirlo, succeeds compatriot and Barcelona team-mate Xavi, who won the award at the 2008 edition.
Iniesta, who was also their goal scoring hero in the 1-0 win over the Dutch in the 2010 World Cup final, was one of 10 Spaniards to figure in the 23-man squad of the tournament.
Golden Boot Award – Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres has won the Euro 2012 Golden Boot award after scoring his third goal against Italy in the final.
Spain, who ran out 4-0 winners, chose to start without a striker in the showpiece event in Kiev, with Cesc Fabregas playing in the ‘false nine’ position.
But Torres scored the champion’s third goal to win the award despite finishing level with a host of players, courtesy of having one assist to his name.
