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Denmark exploded against the Netherlands

euro2012 live Denmark brought the first surprise of the Euro2012 Championship in Ukraine and Poland after beating the Netherlands 1-0 in the first match of Group B, which played at the stadium "Metalist" in Kharkov. The Dutch beat his rival, but failed to realize the many situations made in front of Stefan Andersen.

In the first half, the Dutch were more active and kept longer ball, but failed to realize the established situations.

The Dutch were similarly wasteful during the second half, their performance epitomised by the labouring Robin van Persie, who showed none of the killer instinct from his stellar 37-goal season with Arsenal.

The race for qualification from Group B is now wide open, after a stunning smash and grab result from Denmark, who defied the odds and now have a priceless three points to give their hopes of making the quarter-finals an undeniable boost.
With first choice left-back Erik Pieters unavailable, Bert van Marwijk began with Jetro Willems at the back who, at 18 years and 71 days old, became the youngest player ever to feature in the tournament.

Moments later, Van Persie spurned a more obvious opportunity when he belted a deflected cross off target from close range.

The Dutch appeared to be in control of proceedings, with Ibrahim Afellay sending another effort off target, before Arjen Robben’s dangerous centre was toe-poked into the grateful arms of Stephan Andersen.

However, for all their dominance, Netherlands lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and with 24 minutes gone, Denmark showed them how it should be done.

Krohn-Dehli still had work to do after picking up possession just outside the area, but the Brondby winger did not hesitate, nipping past his marker and drilling between the legs of Maarten Stekelenburg.

The goal sparked Denmark into life, who began to cause more problems by using their wide players to apply pressure down the flanks and pinging crosses into the heart of the Dutch penalty area.

In the second half the Dutch went on the attack in an attempt to even the score. In the 50th minute Van Persie was taken in a good position but shot poorly and Anderson caught the ball without problems. A minute later Van Bommel shoots dangerous, but Andersen showed reflex and killed the ball in the corner.

The chances continues to come for the Dutch, with substitute Huntelaar wasting the pick of them when he failed to round Andersen after yet another incisive through ball from Sneijder.

But Denmark were holding firm at the back, and survived a late flicked header from Van Persie that inched over the bar. When a late penalty appeal for handball against Jacobsen went unanswered, the Dutch knew that their time was up.

Netherlands will have a difficult task getting their campaign back on track when they face fellow favourites Germany in their next group match, while Denmark square off with Portugal. Both fixtures take place next Wednesday.