Denmark's Michael Krohn-Dehli celebrates the game's only goal (Getty Images)
You wouldn't know it from seeing the end result of this match, but the Netherlands bulldozed most of their opponents in qualifying. They featured the leading scorers from two of the world's top leagues. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar led the German Bundesliga, and of course Robin Van Persie led the Barclay's Premier League. In the end, none of the Dutch big guns could break down Denmark.
Holland came out on the attack immediately, as predicted. Netherlands youngster and PSV Eindhoven man Jetro Willems fired the first salvo of the match on three minutes, but saw his shot sail over the bar. Van Persie also had a few chances early, one of the best coming in minute seven after a cross from Arjen Robben, but the Arsenal captain dismally put it wide. Barcelona's Ibrahim Allefay also caused Denmark problems, but couldn't find the target either.
Despite the Dutch bombardment, the Danes were undeterred and pressed forward when they did get their chances on the ball. In the 24th minute Simon Poulsen had his cross blocked, but it fell to Michael Krohn-Dehli, who expertly slipped the ball between the legs of the Dutch 'keeper to make it 0-1 to Denmark.
Holland continued to mount an assault in the second half. Early on Van Persie had a great look in front of the Denmark goal, but tripped over his own feet as he tried to shoot. Shortly after that chance Mark Van Bommel drove a strike in on target, but Danish 'keeper Stephan Andersen made a great save.
Denmark wasn't done attacking either, and they managed to carve out a couple more chances on the counter. In the 70th minute Krohn-Dehli managed another effort on target, but this time his shot was saved to keep the match at 0-1.
The Netherlands had one last good chance to equalize in the 89th minute, or at least thought they should have. Denmark defender Lars Jacobsen appeared to handle a shot from Huntelaar, but the referee waived away the Dutch appeals for a penalty kick and the match finished 0-1 to the Danes. The group of death became a lot worse for the favored Netherlands.
No comments:
Post a Comment