Netherlands 0 - 1 Denmark (full-time)

Netherlands in a surprising defeat

Netherlands were expected to dominate the game, but Denmark controlled the Dutch team well, and had their own chances in the first half. The counter attack they are showing is proven to be efficient as they managed to grab the lead. Denmark had the first chance of the match as a header by Daniel Agger, but the goalkeeper captured the ball easily. Netherlands started to build pressure by a shot from Willems ending over the bar. The game was played in Denmark's half, but they were defending well. Van Persie had an excellent chance to score but his shot went wide. Afellay was next with a chance but his shot went wide. Then Robben had the chance to open the score but opted to pass and the defence of Denmark cleared. And against all odds then came the goal of Denmark, when Krohn-Dehli, entered the box and with the shot ending in the net. Denmark had another chance by the same player but the goalkeeper made a good save. Then Robben hit the post after a massive mistake from the Danish keeper, with Van Persie having another chance with the shot saved by the Danish goalkeeper.



The second half was no different than the first, as Netherlands dominate possession, but fail to make goal-scoring chances. This half started with Van Persie's header going way over the bar. Van Persie then again had another chance but incredibly tumbled over his own foot, as the striker was way beyond the form he showed with Arsenal. Shots continued from Mark van Bommel turned into a corner by Anderson, and then the shot of Afellay went centimeters out. From a corner Heitinga could have scored but his header went over the bar. Netherlands then looked confused with Denmark holding well and trying to operate from the counter. After the 70th minute Holland tried to change things with Huntelaar and Van der Vaart, and Huntelaar had a chance but Anderson showed courage as he saved the shot beautifully. Then came poor passes from the Dutch, and Denmark operating defensively. The match ended in Netherlands looking unsure of what to do, and after this result they have a mountain to climb, as they have Germany and Portugal next, which both teams are better, on paper, than Denmark.