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Denmark shocked Holland in the first big surprise of Euro 2012. While struggling early, the Danes grew confidence during the game, and where more well set on the field, taking advantage of opportunity to counter and open spaces.
Holland was not well coached. Big names were thrown on the pitch but somehow they look unable to communicate with each other, and mostly it was a poor and confused display at midfield that doomed the Orange team.
Snejder did well, at least he fought to the end, tried to pass the ball in spaces, but it wasn't enough as Robben, isolated on the far right wing and unable to get away from his usual "go straight, cut left and shoot", was ineffective and Van Persie had a night to forget.
Add to that the dull performance by De Jong at midfield, little quantity, little quality (Inter Milan is on him, really?? Hope not!) and you have the picture of a Holland team trying to somehow get the ball to his star players with little success and organization.
Why the Dutch hasn't decided to make some substituions earlier is a mistery.
Also, even when playing well, early, you could see the problem with Holland's offense: no real mid of the box striker, everybody wide and Snejder had no options when trying to put the ball in the box.
Huntelaar needs to be in in the next game against Germany and I would start van Der Vaart, but the main thing is the team has to be shorter, more compacted on the pitch.
Denmark was nothing spectacular but careful in the back, organized at midfield and took plenty of advantage in the Dutch team's lack of pressing, passing the ball right and left, spreading it out, keeping possession.
In the other game, I felt sorry for Portugal, who managed to keep Germany at bay for almost 75 minutes before giving in. It's a bad loss for Portugal, morally because they almost had the point they wanted and realistically because now they will be under pressure as they need 3 points against a very relaxed but focused Denmark.
At the same time, it's a great win for Germany: not too much effort, a game that seemed to be headed toward a draw, and instead they come out with a win, the possibility to improve next without too much pressure and feeling good about themselves.
Round 2 for this group is on Wednesday and I can't wait, with Holland facing Germany and a shocking early elimination.
Easy John. I am joking .
He even went upfront and did very well dribbling and passing the ball.
And his tattoo is very good and scary one too.
But I think Nani had better game than him .
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