The toughest group in the European Championships just got even more interesting after the team considered the weakest in Group B pulled off a stunning upset that has shaken up the tournament.
Denmark shocked the Netherlands on Sunday, playing excellent defense and benefiting from sloppy attacking play from the Dutch to post a 1-0 victory. Danish midfielder Michael Krohs- Dehli stunned the favorites when he ran onto a loose ball and raced into the penalty area before slotting a shot between the legs of Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg.
The Netherlands attack controlled possession for much of the match, but struggled to put together the final pass and take chances well. Danish goalkeeper Stephan Anderson was the Man of the Match for Denmark, making several key saves to preserve the shutout.
It was a frustrating day for Dutch stars Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, who squandered multiple opportunities on a day that saw Wesley Sneijder create countless chances for his teammates.
In the other Group B match:
GERMANY 1, PORTUGAL 0
When German national team manager Joachim Loew chose to start Mario Gomez over Miroslav Klose, the decision looked like it might not have been the right one as the Germans struggled to find the net against Portugal on Saturday. Gomez rewarded his manager's trust late, however, scoring on a header in the 72n minute to give Germany a vital 1-0 victory.
Portugal failed to impress in this match-up of Group B powers, settling for a more defensive-minded approach that left stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani providing little impact on the match.
The Portuguese almost scored in the first half on a Pepe shot that hit the crossbar and bounced near the goal line and out, and also found some chances late, but German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stepped up with some vital saves to keep the cleansheet and help Germany start off with a victory. None of the saves was bigger than a late intervention to block a clear look from Portuguese substitute Silvestre Varela.
GROUP B STANDINGS
T-1. Denmark (1-0, +1 goal difference)
T-1. Germany (1-0, +1 goal difference)
T-3. Netherlands (0-1, -1 goal difference)
T-3. Portugal (0-1, -1 goal difference)
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What did you think of the Group B matches? Impressed with Denmark's performance? Stunned at the Dutch team's struggles? See German winning the group as expected?
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