The Group of Death lived up to it's reputation by the end of the second set of matches. The day began with the unfancied Danes, on the back of a victory over the Dutch on Saturday, facing Portugal in Lviv. The Portuguese were under enormous pressure following their narrow defeat to Germany and knew that another defeat today would mean elimination from the competition.
The pressure, however, seemed to inspire rather than inhibit them and by the half hour mark they had raced into a two goal lead. Pepe struck first, heading home a Joao Moutinho corner, to continue the trend of headed goals from set pieces at Euro 2012. Then, when former Spurs misfit Helder Postiga made it two from Nani’s cross, it looked game over for the Danes. But, just minutes before the break, they got a lifeline when Bendtner headed in at the back post. The second half began slowly with neither side looking eager to commit men forward. Then, with twelve minutes left, Portugal were pegged back by another header from Bendtner who maintained his remarkable scoring record against the Portuguese. A point would have put Denmark on the brink of qualification but, after an astonishing miss by Ronaldo who shot wide when through on goal, substitute Silvestre Varela rescued his captain at the second attempt. After a complete air shot on his weak left side, the Porto man rifled home to secure a much needed three points.
The evening kick off was a highly anticipated clash between old foes Germany and Holland. The Dutch found themselves in a similar position to Portugal after their opening day defeat but the earlier result now meant that defeat, though still clearly unwanted, would not mean elimination just yet. The Oranje started confidently, as they had done at the weekend, but once again failed to find that finishing touch. Van Persie was the main culprit fluffing a glorious chance within the first ten minutes and he was soon made to pay as Gomez, played in by Schweinsteiger, took one touch to control then a second to finish brilliantly. The German striker had come in for plenty of criticism despite his winning goal against Portugal but repaid his managers faith with a brilliant second goal of the night, third of the tournament, beating Stekelenburg from a tight angle.
The Dutch had no option other than to attack in the second half but, as they did so, the Germans were able to pick holes in their already porous defence. Hummels could, and probably should, have put the match beyond their reach before a wonderful Van Persie strike halved the deficit. But their efforts were in vain as Germany held out for the win that has them on the brink of qualification. Holland, on the other hand, must now hope to become the first team in the history of the Euros to qualify from a group with only three points.
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