Sunday night's finale of Euro 2012 saw holders Spain defend their title with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.

The tournament overall has been considered a success thanks to plenty of goals in a number of thrilling matches across the spectacular stadia of Poland and Ukraine.

Here, Sports Mole picks out the 11 players we think left their mark on the competition.

Joe Hart (England)
It may have ultimately been penalty heartbreak for England, but Hart was consistent throughout. Showed plenty of backbone where others didn't and will be between the sticks for many years to come.

Jordi Alba (Spain)
The full-back came into the tournament with little experience on the international stage but one winners' medal and a move to Barcelona later and he's considered one of the best defenders on the continent.

Mats Hummels (Germany)
The athletic centre-back was a rock at the back for the Germans. Quick, ruthless and robust, the 23-year-old should be a permanent fixture in the side for the future.

Gerard Pique (Spain)
The Barcelona man was part of a defence that was rarely troubled throughout the tournament but when he was called upon he was, as always, calmness personified.

Mathieu Debuchy (France)
Similar to Alba, the Frenchman has firmly put himself on the European map thanks to a string of dynamic performance for the otherwise disappointing Les Bleus.

Mesut Ozil (Germany)
A nightmare to defend against, the slippery playmaker was at the heart of every attack the Germans mounted before they fell at the semi-finals.

Andres Iniesta (Spain)
The little master has an eye like no other in the midfield. It's hard to remember when he last underperformed not only on the big stage but any stage at all. A true great.

Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
The 33-year-old was the man everyone was talking about after his cheeky penalty in the Azzurri's quarter-final win over England. As relaxed as they come, his elegant style is among the best in Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Forget about the penalty fiasco against Spain, the Portuguese captain was always there when his country needed him. Not bad for someone who apparently doesn't show when it matters.

Mario Balotelli (Italy)
With all eyes on him, the 21-year-old underlined his commitment with a number of typically full-blooded performances for the runners-up. Also, that second goal against Germany was sensational.

Mario Gomez (Germany)
He may have found himself out of favour once the group stages were done, but the striker looked lethal when he was on the pitch. Represented centre-forwards well in a tournament where their future was put in doubt.