The Group of Death at Euro 2012 resumes play, with the implications and pressure rising after Saturday's opening round of games.
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo look to bounce back after a loss to Germany, needing a result against Denmark (Noon, ESPN/ESPN3.com). The Danes pulled off one of the more impressive victories of the tournament so far, silencing the Netherlands to emerge as a surprise contender for the knockout stage considering the other teams in the group.
The match of the day, and perhaps the tournament, involves Germany and the Netherlands (2:45 p.m., ESPN/ESPN3.com), two of the four semifinalists at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Germany is sitting pretty after a 1-0 win over Portugal, and the Dutch are in jeopardy of being eliminated after just two matches, something that will be come a reality if they suffer a second loss in a row.
If you will be watching any of Wednesday's Euro 2012 action, please feel free to share any thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below. Enjoy the games.
I voted for Germany.
Just now watching Ned/Ger on the DVR. Here’s a good drinking game for y’all. Whenever either Darke or McManaman end a sentence with a question (e.g., “Isn’t he?” or “Don’t they?” etc.) then you drink. Guaranteed you’ll be hammered by halftime.
My main problem with the ESPN coverage has been the press coverage. I respect Levy, but he is making mistakes every other sentence. Lalas is awful. Ballack is OK, but struggles to communicate. Rossi? Really?? Twellman is the only decent analyst.
And why can’t we have American announcers? These British guys are shite. Just because Darke did his stupid “Go Go USA!” at the World Cup, are we really going to be stuck with his inane commentary for the foreseeable future?
Amazing that Max Bretos isn’t getting more face time on ESPN. I always thought he was good on FSC.
Like Lalas or not, he was right that Ireland would struggle, and his ‘no chance’ comment for Denmark looks less stupid now, doesn’t it? Denmark’s best chance is if the Germans take the day off, which could happen.
I find it amazing that anyone actually likes LALAS
except Donovan is legendary for missing sitters
I don’t really get the Lalas hate. Seriously. He brought a championship to San Jose, Beckham to LA and well, nothing to NY but we all know by now that problem runs deep, far and wide. I find his commentary insightful and intelligent. Whoever hired Ballack as an on air personality should be fired.
Germany took Holland to the wood shed. 2-1 was a generous scoreline.
i want lalas to tell me that the germans need to put another dm and park the bus.
How Exactly is he chocking? how many chances has he blown? none, in fact hes on of the only threate moving forward for the Dutch. Ronaldo is THE BIGGEST choker on the face of the planet in basically any sport
Arjen Robban is the biggest choker in football. Hearing him talk about working well with his teammates is some gag-inducing crap.
out of* hah
Dutch look like they just got shown the door to EURO2012
When people here complain about Edgar Catillo think of who the Dutch are starting at LB.
Mostly correct. Tiebreaker isn’t GD at the Euro, it’s 1) head to head amongst those involved(in the scenario you prescribe that would be Holland, Portugal, and Denmark all on 3 points, each of whom has beaten and lost to one of the other sides), 2) points amongst those involved, 3) GD amongst all those involved. Denmark’s GD amongst the 3 is 0(can’t change bc playing Germany in last game), Portugal’s is currently +1 but would definitionally be at least 0 with a loss to the Netherlands, and Holland’s is currently -1 but would have to be at least 0 with a win over Portugal. Means if Germany beats Denmark(not that crazy to think of) and Holland either wins by 2+ goals OR wins by 1 goal but has more goals scored in NED-DEN-POR games, they would advance. Somewhat likely actually.
Pepe is the best player for Portugal and it is not even a debate.
Great fight back by the Danes…a great match for the fans.
Ronaldo is playing like he has a vajayjay injury
Okay, this game is amazing. What a shot.
Donovan would have finished at least one of Ronaldo’s chances. The best player in Europe is about to cost his team progression.
No chance denmark advance.
Tie*
Wishful thinking? Would love to see a loss.
Wow Ronaldo is really choking badly. This loss is on him and only on him,
And people want to suggest that Ronaldo is close to Messi? Please.
Don’t say that around this site. According to many here, Lalas is the best commentator on TV and Ballack and he are best friends forever.
I think Ballack is going to shiv Lalas before this tournament is over. I love how much they obviously dislike each other.
O come on, it was a point blank header. Hard to react to something that quickly.
Just really bad goalkeeping gives Portugal the lead. How do you ever allow a header from there to beat you?
Nani + Ronaldo + Meireles + Pepe is a TON of whining and diving.
Wow, Portugal is starting the whining and diving early. I’m not rooting against them but they make it hard to root for them.
Official stops a Danish fast break for Pepe rolling around near midfield.
Holland isn’t necessarily eliminated with a loss. If Portugal and Germany both beat Denmark and the Dutch beat Portugal, it will come down to GD.
Germany won 1-0. 🙂