Euro 2012: The Netherlands vs. Denmark

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.

International Friendly: England 2-3 Netherlands

England's Adam Johnson fights for the ball. (AP Images)

Well well, what have we here? Upheaval in the England camp? Who knew? This match was always going to prove a bit of an unknown to England supporters, but in the end, there might still be more questions than answers about the side headed into Euro 2012.

Caretaker manager and former Capello assistant Stuart Pearce threw out the first WTF moment of the proceedings by naming Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker as captain for the match. Odds had heavily favored Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, but Stu had other ideas. I personally was not down with this at all.

However, Parker did a pretty good job all match long, so I guess I can't complain. Stuart also made some other interesting choices, some of which worked out pretty well. In particular he gave starts to the Manchester City duo of Adam Johnson, who I've always liked for a spot in the Three Lions, and Micah Richards. These two combined rather well, and tested the Dutch defense, but the first half at Wembley ended scoreless.

The Netherlands are quite the contrast to England. They have the same coach that took them to the 2010 World Cup final, and 9 of the 11 starters from that final in the starting lineup for this match. In particular, Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben is pretty good, or a lot more than pretty good. He managed to put the Dutch up in the 57th minute, taking the ball off of Daniel Sturridge in the England end, then making Smalling and Cahill look foolish before drilling the ball by Joe Hart to make it 0-1. Just a minute later The Dutch went up 0-2, after Klass-Jan Huntelaar headed in a goal on the next attack. However, he bumped heads with Smalling, and both left the match. Smalling was taken to the hospital.

Credit to England though for trying to salvage something from what should have ended up being a dismal night. They almost waited too late. In the 87th minute, Cahill took a through ball from Leighton Baines and scored to make it 1-2, surprising what bit of the crowd was left in the stadium. Then in the 90th, Ashley Young converted another England through ball, this time from Phil Jones, and equalized at 2-2.

However the Dutch and Arjen Robben would have the last laugh. Robben snatched a goal in stoppage time, that partially deflected off of Gary Cahill, to give the Netherlands the 2-3 win.

So, can we have Harry now? Please?

England Friendly Match Called Off.

The English FA announced this morning that this week's International Friendly between England and The Netherlands has been called off due to the violence in London. The riots continued for a third straight night, and have spread beyond Tottenham, where they had originated.

The FA and the London Metropolitan Police said under the circumstances they could not guarantee the safety of the players and fans at the game.

This match isn't the first casualty of the London Riots. Carling Cup matches at West Ham, Charlton, Crystal Palace, and Bristol City had already been canceled.

For more on these developments, check out Fox Soccer's Coverage.