Euro2012: Denmark shock the Dutch, Germany win

The 2012 European Championships kicked-off for the Group B teams tonight with matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Lviv. This group was billed as the Group of Death and after the Danes upset the Netherlands and Germany won against Portugal it could now become really interesting.


GROUP B

Netherlands 0-1 (0-1) Denmark
Goals: Michael Krohn-Dehli (24')

Title contenders the Netherlands made the worst possible start as they lost 0-1 against Denmark which leaves them with an uphill task of making it at all into the knockout stages. The Dutch were allover the Danes, but what was missing on this day simply the goal or often the final touch, while Denmark scored of one of their few chances.

The Netherlands started off as expected with Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben leading the assault, but often the Danish defence could sustain the pressure and the Dutch seemed to have forgotten their scoring boots. Out of nowhere Denmark took a 24th minute lead through a Michael Krohn-Dehli strike. The Netherlands continued to attack with Robben hitting the woodwork and others wasting further chances.

It was simply not to be for the Netherlands and Euro2012 had its first surprise and major upset.


Germany 1-0 (0-0) Portugal
Goals: Mario Gomez (72')

Germany came out victorious through a second half Mario Gomez header from a very tactical game between the two sides. If one had hoped for another highlight like at Euro2008 and 2006 FIFA World Cup between these two sides, one would be disappointed.

German coach Joachim Löw did cause some surprises as Mats Hummels started in the heart of defence ahead of the more experienced Per Mertesacker, while Mario Gomez started upfront ahead of birthday boy Miroslav Klose.

Germany throughout had more of the ball but their combination wasn't as good as they can play with especially the midfield not having their best day with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Özil both having problems, while Sami Kherida and Lokus Podolski showing fighting spirit and Thomas Müller getting better as the match progressed. The German defence stood their ground with Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber mostly blocking Cristiano Ronaldo and co, but captain Philipp Lahm having unusual problems with Nani and Manuel Neuer showing his class in the few instances he was needed, while Mario Gomez turned out to the unlikely match winner.

Mario Gomez early on made a heading attempt which was to be the best German chance in the first session as often the finishing was lacking. Portugal were more content taking care of their defensive duties and hoping for a moment of brilliance from Cristiano Ronaldo. It did come on the stroke of half-time when Ronaldo's corner reached an unmarked Pepe but his placed shot hit the woodwork, dropped onto the line and out into play.

Germany made a better start into the second session as Fabio Coentrão and Raul Meireles ensured that it stayed goalless within the first minute, but thereafter again the match was more tactical with accuracy a problem on both sides. Mario Gomez then scored the winner in the 72nd minute of a deflected Sami Khedira cross with his header beating the outstretched hands of Rui Patrício. Portugal did put some pressure on the Germans in the end, but their defence and Neuer threw themselves at everything that came their way with Nani's cross falling onto the crossbar.

In the end Germany looked deserving winners from a close contest, which opens-up their path into the quarterfinals.