More Euro 2012 News
Group B or better known as the group of death was surprisingly dismal when the all of the teams met last Sunday and it was important for the Netherlands and Portugal needing a result to avoid two consecutive defeats and failing to qualify. So the matches were crucial.
Portugal 3 - 2 Denmark (Group B)
Ronaldo needed to improve from his performance against Germany if he was going to prove himself one of the best footballers in the world, and their couldnt be a better way to do so then by giving Portugal the 3 points they needed. But when the match kicked off it looked to be a repeat of last week. He made good runs to push his team forward but failed to pick out the crucial passes and his shots seemed to always be sailing wide.
However things changed for Portugal when Pepe capitalised with a strong back post header to silence the Danes in the '24th Minute, they carried on to attack before they doubled the lead with a Postiga tucking in a goal at the near post only 12 minutes later.
The Portugese looked home and dry with Denmark possessing great talent to hold a lead but not to come back into a game when losing. Despite this Bendtner scored in the '41st minute to send both teams into the dressing rooms at half time with mixed feelings, the Danes dissapointed to concede 2 early goals and the Portugese nervous to hold the lead.
The second half carried on similar to the first half with both teams playing well but Ronaldo was honestly dreadful, missing 1 on 1's and deciding to shoot when passing was always the better option. This motivated Denmark and they managed to score in the '80th minute with Bendtner scoring a thumping header that raised the roof. The game looked set for a draw when substitue Varela changed everything. After a cross from Nani, Varela went for a thumping volley but miss hit it terribly, yet was still given the time to control the ball and hit the ball cleanly with his right foot into the net. Portugal were understandably ecstatic as a win puts them in a good position to qualify after a shock performance from the Netherlands.
Netherlands 1 - 2 Germany (Group B)
The biggest match to be played in the group stages of the tournament went under way with equally strong teams battling it out, with the Netherlands however needing the win more than anyone. Germany took control though and silenced the Holland playmakers that posed the greatest threat. Robin Van Persie was given little oppurtunites and it was actually the other in form striker Mario Gomez who struck first with an absolutely sublime spin and finish past Stecklenburg to put the Germans ahead in style in just the '24th minute. The dutch looked shakey from then on and Gomez didnt hesitate to exploit that with a headed goal 14 minutes later.
In honesty the style of Netherlands play was their downfall with the dutch not able to commit men forward to play the ultra attacking football they do so well, due to the Germans having such a strong counter attack. However Van Persie scored a brilliant goal to give them a ray of hope in the '73rd minute. However the Germans didnt wait to stamp down on that with the stereotypically efficient play used to full effect to see the match out as a win for them.
Netherlands will need to beat Portugal by 2 goals to get through, that is if the Germans beat the Danes which looks likely, meaning its all to play for. Check in for Euro updates.
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