Group of Death not looking so lethal: An upset and late goal

Day 2 of the Euros wasn't what I expected. I was expecting goals, cards and controversy. What I got was slightly underwhelming in terms of goals, but not in excitement. While both matches were excellent, both would produce an astounding 2 goals ONLY, from a truck load of opportunities. The victors, Denmark (a bit of a shocker) coming out of the clash with the Netherlands and Germany, against a decent looking Portugal, headed by golden boy Cristiano Ronaldo.

Here's a few Highlights from the Denmark vs Netherlands clash

Both team would start off well. The Netherlands however with the lion's share of the possession.

Despite this, after several squandered chances by the Dutch, in minute 23, Krohn- Dehli of Denmark opens up scoring.

In minute 35, Arjen Robben of the Netherlands would try to equalize. His shot hits the post. Having Van Persie to his left, perhaps a selfish shot?

The Netherlands go to half time 1 down.

Several chances would break for the Netherlands in the first 8 minutes of the second half. Attempts by Van Persie, Van Bommel and Affelay. Nothing results!

In the 73th minute Huntelaar, brought on the breathe new life, finds himself in the box to break for the Dutch. The Danish keeper however is quick to collect the ball, he then loses it and is in the process fouled, voiding Van Persie's follow up attempt.

Despite all of the possession and opportunities, the match ends full time Denmark 1-0 Netherlands. The Danes stealing 3 points in the first real upset of the Euros 2012.

The Portugal vs Germany match was one that left the fans upset, glad, mad, cursing, on the edge of their seat, hands in the air. Plenty of opportunities and close calls.

Here's a few highlights.

Both teams started out brightly. Both playing hard and defending and creating opportunities. Pretty equally matched. Not quite the Portuguese massacre people had predicted.

Up until the 44th minute both teams were square. However, in this minute, Pepe hit a wonder strike to attempt to open up scoring. The ball hits the post and bounces on the line. The ball doesn't cross! No goal! Portuguese fans are up, pulling their hair in disbelief, urging their team onward!

Half time Portugal 0-0 Germany.

At the very start of the second half, Germany would be out the gates, guns blazing in a spectacular series of attacks. Portugal would do well to resist them.

In the 72nd minute, Portugal could no longer deny what seemed inevitable. Mario Gomez of Germany scores a text book header.

Portugal would spend the remainder of the match trying to equalize, the best opportunity coming in the 87th minute. Close but no cigar.

Full time: Germany 1-0 Portugal

Wonderful day of football!

Next match ups

Sunday June 10 Spain vs Italy 10:45 am

Sunday June 10, Croatia vs Ireland 1:30pm

See you there!

Lis.