Portugal surrendered a two-goal lead against Denmark only to grab a winner, Germany solidified their tournament-favorite status and Netherlands took another step toward elimination on the highest-scoring night of Euro 2012.
Portugal 3 – Denmark 2
Germany 2 – Netherlands 1
– Gomez banishes his demons … The German forward has never been a part of the ‘World’s Greatest Striker’ debate despite the requisite stats — 64 goals in 94 appearances since joining Bayern Munich and 25 in 54 German caps. Gomez has always been second choice behind Miroslav Klose at major tournaments and was thus overlooked as an elite player. That is changing after two remarkable performances in Ukraine. Three goals (Germany’s total) in two matches has Gomez being fitted for the Golden Boot.
– … while the Dutch succumb to theirs. Internal tension and a porous defense have threatened to sink the Oranje for years, but such was their talent up front that Netherlands have managed to overcome their flaws. Not at Euro 2012. Even to an optimist, no points from two matches is an unequivocal disaster for the number 4 team in the world and one of the best sides in a proud nation’s history. Their late push was inspiring but a case of too little, too late.
– Germany is the clear favorite. Die Mannschaft came into the tournament among a trio of frontrunners that included Netherlands and Spain. The Dutch are on the brink of elimination, and Spain looked far from their best in their opener. Germany, meanwhile, has been stout in defense, dangerous going forward and, for now, it’s their trophy to lose.
– For once, Portugal saves Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has been filled with high points. Critics claim most of these came at the club level, but the playmaker’s contributions to Portugal are often overlooked. Ronaldo hasn’t been as prolific a goal scorer internationally, but draws the attention of the defense and sets up teammates. Wednesday, though, was nightmare. Ronaldo twice squandered one-on-one chances with Danish goalkeeper Stephan Andersen, misses that were exacerbated as Denmark erased a two-goal deficit. Ronaldo detractors were licking their lips as the final whistle approached, but substitute Silvestre Varela fired home the game winner three minutes from time, sparing the star’s blushes.
– That’s why they call it the ‘Group of Death.’ Denmark knocked off rival Netherlands for one of their biggest wins in decades and followed it up with a dramatic comeback against Portugal, only to fall short. Now, the side must get a result against powerhouse Germany to go through. In any other group, Denmark would be comfortably placed for a quarter-final berth, but the talent in Group B may see them eliminated. The strong performance from the young Danes thus far deserves better.
