Compiled by Ranjika Perera

[caption id="attachment_149887" align="alignleft" width="356"] Gianluigi Donnarumma[/caption]

As international football draws to a close after a breathtaking month of exhilarating football, it is time to take a breather and look back at the stand out performers throughout the campaign. on Tuesday (13), UEFA and CONMEBOL named the “The Team of the Tournament” consisting the best out of Europe and South America.

* Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament

For obvious reason the team is dominated by the Italians. Roberto Mancini’s men extended their unbeaten run to 34 games after beating England through a shootout in the final. The biggest contribution for their unbeaten run and the resurgence is their stubborn defence. Five players from champions, Italy have made it to the team including the 22-year-old goalkeeper, Player of the Tournament, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Central defender Leonardo Bonucci and the injured left back Leonardo Spinazzola in back line are joined with English defenders, CD Harry Maguire and right back Kyle Walker.

The midfield in comprised of The Azzuri’s Jorginho, Young Player of Tournament and Spaniard, Pedri along with Denmark's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Jorginho undoubtedly dominated the midfield with Marco Veratti while the Pedri showed real class for Spain. Denmark’s fairytale came to be because of their grit on the pitch and Hojbjerg played an integral part in making sure the teams fought until the end.

The forwards include another rising start in Italy’s Federico Chiesa, who caused trouble for defenders with his speed and skill. He’s joined with England’s Raheem Stirling, who surprised everyone with his performance through the campaign. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku complete the XI by rightfully taking spot right in front for four goals in the tournament.

[caption id="attachment_149889" align="alignnone" width="357"] Federico Chiesa[/caption]

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)

Central Defender: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)

Central Defender: Harry Maguire (England)

Right Back: Kyle Walker (England)

Left Back: Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy)

Midfielder: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Denmark)

Midfielder: Jorginho (Italy)

Midfielder: Pedri (Spain)

Right Wing: Federico Chiesa (Italy)

Left Wing: Raheem Sterling (England)

Forward: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

* Copa America 2021 Team of the Tournament

[caption id="attachment_149888" align="alignleft" width="357"] Rodrigo De Paul (centre)[/caption]

Lionel Messi’s Argentina ended a 28-year long wait for a trophy in a major tournament as they beat tournament favourites, Brazil in the final by 1-0. Argentina comprise four spots in the Team of Tournament. Goalkeeper and Golden Glove winner Emiliano Martinez takes his rightful place after his shoutout heroics in semis against Columbia. Brazil and PSG central defender Marquinhos pair up with Piero Hincapie of Ecuador at the the back. Colombian and Juventus star Juan Cuadrado takes the right back spot after creating 18 chances for Colombia while Pervis Estupinan of Ecuador take his rightful place at Left back after brilliant campaign.

The midfield combines Wilmar Barrios of Columbia and Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina. Barrios performed an important function as Colombia ultimately finished third in the Copa while De Paul competed 32 ball recoveries and his six key passes was second only to Lionel Messi, with one of those being the long-range pass to send Di Maria for the crucial goal in the final.

With no doubt, Lionel Messi takes the right wing spot. His nine contribution to goals out of the twelve Argentina scored is only one reason he should make it the Tournament. It is fair to he dominated the Tournament. Brazil’s Neymar takes attacking midfield position for his tournament-leading 3.5 key passes and 21.6 passes into the final third each game. Columbian Luiz Diaz takes the left wing. He scored more non-penalty goals (four) than any other player with his remarkable bicycle-kick against Brazil and 30-yard bullet to seal win in the third-place play-off against Peru. At the front, Lautaro Martinez leads for his three goals for Argentina.

[caption id="attachment_149890" align="alignnone" width="357"] Neymar[/caption]

Goalkeeper - Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)

Right-back - Juan Cuadrado (Colombia)

Centre-back - Marquinhos (Brazil)

Centre-back - Piero Hincapie (Ecuador)

Left-back - Pervis Estupinan (Ecuador)

Central midfield - Wilmar Barrios (Colombia)

Central midfield - Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)

Right wing - Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Attacking midfield - Neymar (Brazil)

Left wing - Luis Diaz (Colombia)

Striker - Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)