Euro 2012 Day 2: 5 Takeaways from Group B Round 1

By defeating the Netherlands in a fixture few gave them a chance in, Denmark proved what many onlookers of the sport had suspected for some time: The Danes are for real, and they will decide whoescapes the Group of Death.

Perhaps caught up in the prospect of facing their two hated rivals in the coming days, the Netherlands overlooked Denmark, even though they had been warned one major tournament beforehand.

The Dutch and Danes opened up Group E of World Cup 2010, and although the Netherlands emerged victorious 2-0, Denmark acquitted themselves well against the favored Oranje. If not for Daniel Aggers own goal and the electricity of flying Dutchman Eljero Elia, the tale could have been different.

Fast forward to Euro 2012, the Danes certainly conceded heaps of shots and possession to their Orange opponents, but led in ultimately the only statistic that matters: goals.

Michael Krohn-Dehli collected a deflected cross from a streaking Simon Poulsen, sprinted past the Dutch defense and placed his shot right between the legs of Maarten Stekelenburg for the games only goal.

The move exemplified Denmarks overarching philosophy of pragmatic football. They were out-shot, out-possessed and out-gunned, yet they emerged victorious with straightforward passing, tight defending and few mistakes across the park.

To their credit, the Danes opted not to keep what they had and park the bus, instead pushing men forward at every opportunity. It was a positive take on a usually conservative first round of matches, but also likely the correct move tactically.

The way the Netherlands were creating chances, they would have equalized sooner or later if the game had been played solely in Denmarks half. By going forward, Denmark kept the Dutch from finding a consistent attacking rhythm, and cut down their possible looks on goal.

Now tied with Germany atop Group B, Denmark are in control of their own fate. Wins over Portugal and then the Germans would be nice, but unnecessary if this group continues to tear itself apart. A win and a draw, or even two draws might serve to see Denmark into the knockout stages.

More importantly, Denmarks win put Germany and Portugal on notice. You wont be going anywhere without a result against the Danes, and you wont get one without your best effort.

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Euro 2012 Day 2: 5 Takeaways from Group B Round 1