It is safe to say that the group stages of Euro 2012 provided more thrilling games of football than many were expecting.

With plenty of goals across all four groups, there was drama up to the final whistle of the last round of matches.

There were also a number of outstanding individual performances, and on that note, Sports Mole picks out its 11 best players of the tournament so far.

Manuel Neuer (Germany)
The athletic shotstopper had lots to deal with at the back against attack-minded opposition, but he was able to answer most of their questions with some excellent goalkeeping.

Mathieu Debuchy (France)
It's been difficult to tell that this is the young full-back's first major tournament for Les Bleus thanks to some relentless performances at both ends of the pitch.

Mats Hummels (Germany)
A typically robust German centre-back, Hummels defended with his life as the three-time winners progressed through to the quarter-finals. Scary to think that he's just 23.

Pepe (Portugal)
Despite occasionally resorting to his usual theatrics, the Real Madrid man has also surprised with his commanding displays at the back for who many consider to be the dark horses in the competition.

Jordi Alba (Spain)
The inexperienced youngster made it look like he had been playing with the national team for years thanks to his confident performances in both defence and attack.

Samir Nasri (France)
Was a threatening presence for Les Bleus throughout their group campaign and will be looking to guide the two-time champions into the last four.

Steven Gerrard (England)
A second spell as captain has only seemed to have spurred the 32-year-old into giving some of his most influential displays at a major tournament for the Three Lions.

Andres Iniesta (Spain)
The humble midfielder has lost none of his ability to quietly dictate a match from the centre of the park. Still the maestro.

Mesut Ozil (Germany)
As tricky as they get, the playmaker's meanderings in the final third made it a nightmare for defences to pin him down.

Mario Gomez (Germany)
A classic centre forward, the powerful Gomez looked like he would find the net with every chance that he got in the group stages. His movement in and around the penalty area must be a dream for the German midfielders.

Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)
The striker will be disappointed that he is unable to add to his three goals following Croatia's exit, but the 26-year-old is sure to have offers on the table from across Europe come the end of the summer.