Denmark stun Netherlands, Germans deal with Portugal

Denmark have created the first major upset at Euro 2012, getting the better of the Netherlands 1-0, while Germany beat Portugal with the same score in the tournament’s Group B.

­Netherlands 0-1 Denmark

Euro 2012 came to Ukraine on the second day of the tournament as Denmark played Holland in Kharkov, doing everything to prove wrong the bookies who labeled them outsiders in the so-called "Group of Death."

The Netherlands played with an advantage, as a favorite should do, but they were first to concede on the 24th minute of the match.

Michael Krohn-Dehli put Denmark in front, making his way through the Dutch defense and firing between the legs of keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, 1-0.

The Netherlands continued their attacks and missed two good chances to equalize before the break.

First, Arjen Robben hit the post after a careless pass from Danish keeper, Stephan Andersen.

And then the goalie rehabilitated for his earlier mistake by stopping a close-range shot from Robin van Persie.

The course of game didn’t change much in the second half, nor did the result on the scoreboard.

The Oranje coach, Bert van Marwijk, sent all of his best attacking forces to the pitch, but even the efforts of Rafael van der Vaart, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Dirk Kuyt weren’t enough to save even a point for his side.

A tough battle is expected in the other Group B clash of the night, when Germany takes on Portugal.

Germany 1-0 Portugal

Those who expected a goal fest in the clash between Germany and Portugal were clearly disappointed after the first half in Lviv.

The two teams managed to create just one scoring chance in the opening 45 minutes, with the Portuguese only centimeters away from breaking the deadlock.

Pepe fired from the center of the box on the half’s last minute, with the ball hitting the crossbar, ricocheting into the ground and returning into the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo put his hands in the air in celebration, but the replay showed that there was no goal.

The Germans created the second scoring opportunity, and treated it more carefully than their rivals.

Mario Gomez slotted it home with his head after a cross from Sami Khedira to give his team the lead with 18 minutes remaining, 1-0.  

Portugal spent the remainder of the match on the attack, with Nani’s long ball hitting the post and substitute Silvestre Varela failing to beat keeper Manuel Neuer from a good position.

Denmark and Germany share the lead in the group after the opening match day, with the Netherlands and Portugal three points behind.  

The action in the so-called Group of Death resumes on June 13, with Denmark testing Portugal and Germany facing off against Holland.