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Xavi emerges as EURO's top man
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Xavi Hernandez has been named as the Castrol
Player of the Tournament for UEFA EURO 2008T (¿Getty Images)
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Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been named the Castrol
Player of the Tournament for UEFA EURO 2008T after his stirring displays
helped his country to the title.
Technicians' approval
The 28-year-old FC Barcelona player appeared in five matches at the finals,
scoring once in the semi-final against Russia, as Spain earned their first
major international success since beating the Soviet Union to win the
1964 UEFA European Championship. His ability to dictate the pace of the
game from midfield brought him to the attention of the UEFA Technical
Team who decide upon the Castrol Player of the Tournament, taking into
account votes from the public. UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said:
"We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of
play. He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating
kind of game that Spain played."
Growing reputation
The 1-0 final victory over Germany in Vienna marked Xavi's 63rd cap for
Spain since his debut - made together with team-mate Carles Puyol - against
the Netherlands on 15 November 2000. He had been an unused squad player
with Spain at UEFA EURO 2004T in Portugal but was a first-team regular
by the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and showed maturity
and no small amount of brilliance in Austria and Switzerland.
Euro2008.com,
30 June 2008
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