Saturday 9 June 2012

Euro 2012 Day 2 Review

Day 2 of Euro 2012 featured the Group B sides, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Portugal.


First up was the Netherlands taking on Denmark. The Netherlands were big favorites for this clash but were left stunned by a resilient and determined Denmark side. The Danish had to hold off the Netherlands for the majority of the game but somehow managed not to concede, whilst Michael Krohn-Dehli made the most of a rare Denmark chance to give his side the lead in the 23rd minute.


The second half contained more Netherlands dominance with the usually lethal Robin Van Persie fluffing his lines on numerous occasions, the Arsenal striker looked a mere shadow of the man who topped the Premier League's scoring charts this past season. Other top hit man Klass Jan Huntelaar, missed a glorious chance late on as he was denied by keeper Stephan Anderson.


This result sets up an exciting clash between the Netherlands and Germany next time out, with the Dutch knowing that they will need to get something from the game. Denmark will obviously be delighted with this result and will be dreaming of a 1992 repeat.


The second game of the day was contested between finalists of four years ago Germany and finalists of eight years ago Portugal. This game did not live up to the hype with both sides taking a cautious approach and seemed unwilling to get many men forward.


The Germans who had the better of the play, seemed to look toothless upfront. Portugal looked to be happy to settle for a point and rarely threatened. Cristiano Ronaldo looked nothing like the player that drove Real Madrid towards the Spanish title and made no real impression on the game.


Germany were eventually rewarded for their possession as striker Mario Gomez, put his Champions League disappointment behind him as he gave his side the lead in the 72nd minute. Only after this did Portugal wake up with Nani's blocked shot being the closest they came to an equalizer. 


As I thought the Germans won the game by hook or by crook and will probably go on to really challenge for the tournament. The Portuguese will have to become a more attacking threat to progress, with the likes of Ronaldo and Nani in the side, this can be achieved. I don't think they will qualify but I also couldn't see Denmark winning, so you never know in football.







EURO 2012 LIVE: Germany vs. Portugal
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