Soccer is a team sport, but as is the case with other team sports, viewers and fans are looking for that single individual that sparks his or her team to greatness.

The Euro 2016 has seen its slew of top stars really carrying their squads through the tough opening round and into the quarterfinals where the pressure will mount on them. Which players made their mark in the opening round?

Andres Iniesta - Spain

There is no doubt that no player has had more influence over the tournament than Spain's midfielder. Iniesta does not have a goal to his name and only has one assist to talk of, but his play in helping Spain through the first three games has been peerless. La Furia Roja has not been invincible to be sure, but the first two games were masterclasses in vision and passing from the Barcelona star. If Spain navigates its tough road to the final, he will be the reason why.

Ivan Perisic - Croatia

Croatia might have a big summer. And if the team does, it will not be because of Ivan Rakitic or Luka Modric but because of Ivan Perisic. The winger was utterly dominant against Spain, scoring the winner and creating the tying goal that gave Croatia a chance. He was also a big bright spot against the Czechs in the second round of the group stage.

Dimitri Payet - France

France's top player has not been Antoine Griezmann, as expected, but Payet. He scored the winner against Romania and then the final tally against Albania. He has been dominant in the attacking third and is by far the most influential player on the squad.

Gareth Bale - Wales

Wales was never expected to get out of its group, much less win it. But here they are, thanks to the Real Madrid forward who has scored two free kicks and another goal on the counter. He has led his team this far and looks primed for a big run on the easiest side of the knockout bracket.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal

Likely the surprising entry on this list, but Ronaldo has already had a performance for the ages. After being lashed with criticism for a week, the superstar opted for being more of a team player for his squad in its final group stage. The result? He set up the first goal for Portugal, giving the team confidence moving forward and eventually landing the two final goals himself, both of consummate beauty.