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Edwin van der Sar, the Netherlands, Manchester United ($32-million)

The gangly but agile 6-foot-8 netminder helped the Red Devils win it all just a few weeks ago during a memorable Champions League final in Moscow against Chelsea when he stopped Nicolas Anelka from the penalty spot. At 37, Holland's number one between the posts for the past 13 years has already announced his international retirement after the conclusion of this month's tournament.

DEFENDER

Marco Materazzi, Italy, Inter-Milan ($25-million)

Nicknamed the Matrix, this ruthless tattooed central defender has an infamous reputation for bone-crunching tackles. He became the villain of the 2006 World Cup championship match after his provocation of Zinedine Zidane and an ill-timed retaliatory head-butt by the French icon. The heart and soul of the Italian back line was hobbled by a thigh injury late last year but has made a full recovery.

DEFENDER

Trainos Dellas, Greece, AEK Athens ($13-million)

His memorable overtime goal against Czech Republic in the semi-finals of Euro 2004 put Greece through to the final and to its eventual coronation. Nicknamed the Colossus of the Greek defence by coach Otto Rehhagel for his towering presence in the middle of the park, he has struggled with injury at the club level but has been a perfect fit for the national side.

MIDFIELDER

Sergio Ramos, Spain, Real Madrid ($42-million)

This brilliant right full-back became Spain's youngest full international in 55 years when he started a 2005 World Cup qualifier against Serbia-Montenegro at age 19. His upfield rushes are reminiscent of Real's former Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos. Ramos also has the ability to put the ball in the back of the net, scoring in back-to-back Euro qualifiers against Denmark and Sweden.

MIDFIELDER

Luka Modric, Croatia, Tottenham ($33-million)

Traditionally known for tireless running, precision through balls and brute physical strength this 22-year-old midfielder personifies all that makes the red, white and blue checkered shirts of Croatia revered. He was the English Premier League's first off-season transfer and a key figure in Dinamo Zagreb's three successive national titles where he collected Croatia's top player award in 2007.

MIDFIELDER

Michael Ballack, Germany, Chelsea ($50-million)

The first three-time German footballer of the year since the legendary Franz Beckenbauer, the 32-year-old will be used as an attacking midfielder by coach Joachim Low. A brilliant distributor of the ball and marksman who can shoot left or right he is also lethal in the air. Despite serious knee and ankle injuries in 2007 he has since rebounded and continues to score vital goals.

MIDFIELDER

Wesley Sneijder, the Netherlands, Real Madrid ($32-million)

Now Marco van Basten's set piece go-to-guy in the Netherlands' high flying offence, he was given David Beckham's No..23 jersey with his famed club team because of his ability to bend dead balls around and through opposition walls with pinpoint accuracy. He has blossomed from his role as a fringe player at Euro 2004 to a centrepiece of the mighty orange midfield.

FORWARD

Luca Toni, Italy, Bayern Munich ($20-million)

A prolific goal scorer who potted 24 goals in his first season with Bayern Munich since transferring from Fiorentina including a perfect hat-trick: A goal with both feet and his head. He has become Italy's No..1 target man in the middle and despite being hobbled by a foot injury during European qualifying still managed to score five goals in six games.

FORWARD

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Manchester United ($100-million)

With brilliant crossover moves and blazing breakaway speed, this gifted 23-year-old winger could possibly be the best player on the planet today. Although criticized by opponents for theatrics, diving and seldom tracking back on defence; Dutch legend Johan Cruyff recently rated Ronaldo as better than both Irish legend George Best and Scottish hero Denis Law.

FORWARD

Miroslav Klose, Germany, Bayern Munich ($33-million)

A Polish native and certified apprentice carpenter who has become the key centre support beam of the German attack. The Golden Boot award winner at the 2006 World Cup with five goals is now searching for his first Euro final goal while his team looks for its first win in the competition since collecting the 1996 Championship trophy.

FORWARD

Thierry Henry, France, Barcelona ($30-million)

Surpassed French legend Michel Platini as Les Bleus record goal scorer last October during the Euro qualifying campaign when he hit for his 42nd and 43rd goals against Lithuania. His quick change of pace and ability to switch direction in opposition penalty areas on the stop of a dime not only makes Henry one of the most dangerous finishers on the planet but also a gifted setup man.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy, Juventus

Defenders: Christian Chivu, Romania, Inter-Milan; Ricardo Carvalho, Portugal, Chelsea.

Midfielders: Franck Ribery, France, Bayern Munich; Cesc Fabregas, Spain, Arsenal; Andreas Ivanschitz, Austria, Panathinaikos; Gennaro Gattuso, Italy, AC Milan.

Forwards: Henrik Larsson, Sweden, Helsinborg; Martin Fenin, Czech Republic, Eintracht Frankfurt; Lukas Podolski, Germany, Bayern Munich