Euro 2012: Denmark Stuns Netherlands

I chose The Netherlands to win Euro 2012 but they lost their first match against Denmark. In the group that billed as Group of Death, any point loss surely dampened hope any team to advance into quarterfinal. In their opening game between two former champions, The Netherlands done everything their could with the script on the track. The had better ball possession and calling all the shots. Denmark meanwhile were happy to sit deep and absorb the onslaught.

Denmark game plan work perfectly when against the run of play they scored. The crowd were stunned but not the Danish supporters that could be easily spotted in their custom red attires. The Danes were well aware that they will under siege of Oranje attacks. They kept their composure and discipline at  highest level. They stick to their game plan to protect the 1-0 lead. And eventually they were victorious. 

I chose The Netherlands as they were the great underachiever for along time already. Once there was Spain until people forgot about  this talented squad. They always producing great players but still find it hard to emerge as champion in major tournament. In World Cup 2010 again they were the bridesmaid this time for Spain. It was the third time they played in the finals but unfortunately they lost all.

They won the Euro in 1988 with players like Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard. That was their only greatest achievement in the international campaign. Beside emerged as champion in 1988, The Netherlands were the four time semifinalist.

Now after losing to Denmark, The Oranje will find it hard to advance. They had to beat German and Portugal. But still I had faith they will advance to quarterfinals. When they won the 1988 edition, they also lost the first game. It was USSR that beat them 1-0. However they bounced back by defeating England 3-1 and Republic of Ireland (1-0). People might say that German and Portugal would be different but I believed the Oranje could repeat the similar feat. The only different was 1988 was played with participation of only eight countries thus there were no quarterfinals.

So come on Oranje.