Euro 2012: Netherlands v Denmark full-time report

Michael Krohn-Delhi

Netherlands 0 Denmark 1

Netherlands' hopes of qualifying from Group B were dealt a major blow as Denmark recorded a surprise 1-0 victory over the 2010 World Cup finalists in Kharkiv.

Bert van Marwijk's men dominated long periods of the match but were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal, as Michael Krohn-Dehli's first-half strike secured a precious three points for the Danes.

Netherlands had 28 shots at goal in total but Denmark rode their luck and took their chance to cement their place at the top of Group B – a group in which Morten Olsen's side were the firm underdogs.

It was expected that the Danes' best chance of scoring would come from a set piece, and Dutch goalkeeper Marten Stekelenburg was forced to make the first save of the match when Daniel Agger headed on target from a free-kick.

But from then until Krohn-Dehli broke the deadlock, it was all Netherlands, as Jetro Willems struck his side's first shot over the crossbar, showing no fear despite becoming the youngest ever player to play in a European Championships at the tender age of 18 years and 72 days.

Robin van Persie was selected in the lone-forward role ahead of the prolific Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who was Netherlands' top scorer during qualification, and the Arsenal striker spurned a host of gilt-edged opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.

His first came when Arjen Robben cut the ball back from the byline to the Premier League Footballer of the Year, who tamely stoked the ball wide of the goal on his often lethal left foot.

Undeterred, the Dutch continued to grow in confidence in the attack third and went close again minutes after Van Persie's miss through Ibrahim Afellay.

The Barcelona winger showed some neat skill to buy himself a yard of space before curling a right-footed effort over the crossbar, while Van Persie then went close to atoning for his first miss with a beautifully-weighted pass into the path of Wesley Sneijder, who failed to direct his header on target.

Had Van Marwijk's side been more clinical, the game could have been out of Denmark's reach before half time.

However, it was the underdogs who produced the biggest shock of Euro 2012 so far by taking the lead against the run of play courtesy of Krohn-Dehli's strike.

The Brondby forward jigged his way past Johnny Heitinga inside the Dutch penalty area before striking the ball through the legs of Stekelenburg, much to the delight of Olsen and the Danish supporters inside the Metalist stadium.

It was a lead they carried with them into the half-time break, although goalkeeper Stephan Andersen almost gifted Netherlands a quick-fire equaliser.

The 30-year-old inadvertently passed the ball straight to the feet of the lively Robben, who dribbled towards the penalty area before unleashing a low curling strike which slammed back off the relieved 'keeper's post.

Profligacy was the Netherlands downfall throughout the match, with one more golden opportunity wasted before Slovenian referee Damir Skomina called time on the first half.

Moments after Afellay had rifled a shot narrowly over the crossbar, Van Persie was picked out by Sneijder inside the box, but a poor first touch forced him onto his unfavoured right foot, on which he struck straight at Andersen.

It was no surprise that the Oranje came out of the blocks flying at the start of the second half – after all, defeat could – and probably will – be catastrophic to their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.

But again, wastefulness continued to let them down, as Van Persie's evening became a personal nightmare. A fresh air shot summed up his game – and it was just a surprise that Van Marwijk persisted with him for the entire 90 minutes.

However, the Dutch coach did change things with 20 minutes remaining by substituting Nigel de Jong and Afellay for Rafael van der Vaart and Huntelaar, respectively.

Before that, the Netherlands continued to waste good chances, with Mark van Bommel forcing a save from Andersen and Robben heading wide from close range.

The double substitution almost had the desired effect when Sneijder's magnificent pass fell perfectly for Huntelaar, who controlled the ball well before unsuccessfully dinking the ball over the Danish goalkeeper.

Netherlands grew increasingly desperate as the clock ticked down to full time, as the Danes limited their opponents to speculative efforts, but they had every reason to feel aggrieved when Lars Jacobsen appeared to handle inside the area.

The penalty appeals were dismissed by Skomina, though, who blew his whistle for full-time moments later. 

Germany v Portugal full-time report
Euro 2012 fixtures and results

Rob Swan - follow me on Twitter

Join us on Facebook

Follow our Bettor Football updates on Twitter