News
VIE 24.06.2016
The next round of the 2016 European Championship is upon us and LaLiga is poised to play a prominent role, just like it did in the group stage. A total of 29 of the 34 Spain-based players who started out in the competition are still standing and will be looking to help their countries go one step further on the path to glory with victory in the round of 16.
Croatia – with Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic and Duje Cop in their ranks – have been among the sensations of the tournament in France and topped Group D in impressive fashion. As for Spain, although they were relegated to second in the group behind the Croats and now face a tough last-16 tie against Italy, the dreams of the massive LaLiga-based La Roja contingent – made up of Gerard Pique, Nolito, Sergio Ramos, Bruno Soriano, Aritz Aduriz, Juanfran, Koke, Mikel San Jose, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Lucas Vazquez and Sergio Rico – remain alive and kicking with the reigning champions targeting a third straight Euros crown.
Two of the top contenders for the title are Antoine Griezmann and Adil Rami's France, and Toni Kroos, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Shkodran Mustafi's Germany, both of whom remain unbeaten, like the aforementioned Croatia. Similarly yet to taste defeat are Poland, for whom Grzegorz Krychowiak has made a mark. Also taking their place in the round of 16 are Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Andre Gomes's Portugal; Thomas Vermaelen and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco's Belgium; and a Wales side for whom Gareth Bale has been in inspirational form.
Carrasco, Vermaelen & Cristiano, Gomes & Pepe put #BEL and #POR in round of 16 at #EURO2016 . pic.twitter.com/0zJtkHjFJc
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) June 22, 2016
On the other hand, none of Florin Andone and Razvan Rat (both Romania), Arda Turan (Turkey), Yevhen Konoplyanka (Ukraine) or John Guidetti (Sweden) will get to grace the knockout rounds, with their countries having all crashed out in the group stage.
As for individual performances, Iniesta and Rakitic have arguably provided the pick of the bunch, although they are far from the only LaLiga players to have shone in France. Iniesta has already received two Man of the Match awards for his magical masterclasses in Spain's wins over the Czech Republic and Turkey, while Rakitic has been equally influential throughout his country's three games to date, albeit he has only been named the outstanding performer in one of these.
Modric, Kroos, Krychowiak and Ronaldo have also seen their efforts rewarded with Man of the Match honours, while the Portuguese forward has additionally made history by becoming the first player to score in four editions of the European Championship finals, a record that will take some beating.
EURO 2004
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) June 22, 2016
EURO 2008
EURO 2012 #EURO2016
Cristiano is the first player to score in 4 consecutive Euros! pic.twitter.com/FmtXMzM1DV
LaLiga's players are well and truly lighting up France and there are plenty of opportunities for them to keep showcasing their world-class talents, with 15 games still to go.
© LALIGA - 2016