In Euro 2012's first major shock, Michael Krohn-Dehli's expertly taken first-half strike earned Morton Olson's hard-working Denmark side a surprise win against a Netherlands team who had loads of possession but wasted all of it missing a host of chances. Krohn-Dehli drifted away from two defenders to fire home the winner. The Dutch dominated large stretches of the game only to waste numerous efforts, with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie the main culprits. Robben came closest when he shot against the post and the Danes survived a late handball appeal against Lars Jacobsen to hold on for well-deserved victory. Denmark coach Olsen's pre-match warning that the Netherlands were simply better than his side could easily have been dismissed as mind games. But for long spells of the opening Group B encounter at the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, the reality backed up Olsen's fears and the Danes struggled to get a foothold in the game. Netherlands combined their undoubted guile, creativity, pace and attacking quality with midfield grit and organisation but with no end product. Van Persie and Robben provided the cutting edge, and they had a series of opportunities to put Bert van Marwijk's side ahead before the Danes took the lead. Van Persie, who scored thirty six goals for The Arse last season, sidefooted the first opening tamely wide after a good early Robben run and Van Persie teed up a headed chance for Wesley Sneijder. Robben and Van Persie then combined brilliantly on the right only for the Bayern Munich winger to fail to pick out one of two team-mates in the middle.
Sneijder also sent a header wide and a Dutch goal looked inevitable. But the Danes remained resolute in defence - largely thanks to a superb display by their captain Daniel Agger - and they went ahead with their first meaningful attack. Krohn-Dehli took advantage of a lucky bounce of the ball after a battling run on the left flank by Simon Poulsen, dummied two defenders and shot low through goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's legs. Niki Zimling had a chance to double the lead soon after, but failed to properly connect with a difficult volleyed effort. Substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - left out of the Dutch starting line-up despite scoring twelve goals in qualifying - went through on goal but was denied by some alert and brave goalkeeping and Huntelaar also had a decent claim for a penalty dismissed. Defender Jacobsen appeared to handle the ball while under pressure from Huntelaar, but the referee waved away the Dutch appeals. The Danes held firm and now have a great opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals, while the Dutch - runners-up at the last World Cup - must win at least one of their remaining two fixtures, against either Germany or Portugal, to have any hope.
In the day's other game, Mario Gomez's second-half header ensured Germany made a winning start to Euro 2012 after Portugal had threatened to frustrate Joachim Loew's side. Which, if for no other reason than it left Cristiano Ronaldo with a big scowl on his mush was a jolly good thing.
Germany dominated possession but struggled to create many chances until Gomez broke the deadlock from Sami Khedira's cross in the seventy second minute. Portugal were very disappointing and only came to life after Germany had scored. Pepe hit the bar with a rare first-half chance while Nani was also denied by the woodwork late on. The Germans included seven Bayern Munich players in their starting line-up and, judging by their first-half performance, they appeared to be suffering a hangover from their Champions League defeat to Moscow Chelski FC last month. Portugal were unadventurous and clearly determined not to lose as they stifled Germany's attacking threat to such an extent that Loew's side only once seriously tested keeper Rui Patricio in the opening forty five minutes.
According to Friday 8 June's overnight ratings BBC1's Match of the Day Live coverage of Poland versus Greece had an audience of 4.26m across the entire prgoramme with a match average of 5.07m and a peak audience of 6.54m at 18:45. On ITV, Euro 2012 Live Czech Republic versus Russia pulled in 4.54m, a match average of 5.40m and a peak of 5.89m at 21:15. On Saturday both matches were broadcast of BBC1, Netherlands versus Denmark being watched by 5.62m (match average: 6.29m, peak: 7.59m at 18.45). From 19:30, Germany versus Portugal had a superb audience of 7.69m (match average: 8.48m, peak: 9.30m at 21.35). Who says football isn't popular with the punters?
ITV have got both matches today. And thus, this is where the shit hits the fans as Spain take on Italy (kick-off 5.00pm). Grumpy odious greed bucket and breakfast TV flop Adrian Chiles presents coverage of the Group C clash at the Arena Gdansk, where reigning champions Spain get their campaign under way. This will be the fourth meeting at a European Championships between these nations - old and somewhat bitter rivals - who previously met in 1980 and 1988, and again in 2008, when a drab quarter-final was settled by penalties. That match in Vienna finished 0-0 after extra time, with neither keeper being troubled on more than a few occasions, and it was Iker Casillas who proved to be the hero as he saved spot kicks from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale. Spain would of course go on to triumph in the final after beating surprise package Russia 3-0 in the semi-finals, before a 1-0 win over Germany saw them claim their first tournament victory in forty four years.
Both sides enter this competition on the back of a strong qualifying campaign, with Spain having topped Group I with a one hundred per cent record. Despite having Fernando Torres as their centre forward. Eight wins and two draws saw The Azzurri progress automatically from Group C. This mouthwatering match between the last two sides to lift the World Cup is not just a clash of titans but a renewing of hostilities between polar opposites. The contrast in ideologies means they won't just be fighting for points, but also for the hearts of neutral fans as Spain's free-flowing passing game goes up against Italy's defensive Catenaccio. Central to their respective side’s hopes will be Xavi and Andrea Pirlo, midfield metronomes whose importance hasn't diminished despite both now entering the autumn of their careers. With - crap - commentary by Jon Champion and Craig Burley and - crap - analysis by Roberto Martinez, Gordon Strachan and Patrick Vieira. Add Chiles in to the mix and you have four people to whom English is not their first language. This should be ... terrible. As usual.
And then, it's Republic of Ireland versus Croatia (kick-off 7.45pm). Greed bucket Chiles returns for ITV's coverage from the Municipal Stadium Poznan, where the Group C teams play their opening match of the tournament. The Irish are appearing at a major tournament for the first time since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and only their second-ever European Championship, having made their debut in 1988.
Jack Charlton was in charge on that occasion, and though he could not lead his team beyond the group stage, he did inspire them to a memorable 1-0 victory over a bloody awful England, with a solitary goal from Ray Houghton proving to be enough. They begin this campaign with a tricky encounter against Croatia, who are participating in their fourth European Championship, a fact that is all the more remarkable considering they have only been eligible for the past five. Head coach Slaven Bilic has already announced his departure from the national team following this competition, and will hope to sign off on a positive note. The sides have met on six occasions, and Croatia have only won once, although five of those meetings have been in Dublin, all of which suggests Shay Given might be in for a busy night. Commentary by Peter Drury and Jim Beglin, and there's analysis from Roy Keane, Gareth Southgate and Jamie Carragher. Horrorshow.
UEFA has begun disciplinary proceedings against the Football Union of Russia for 'improper conduct of supporters' during Friday's Euro 2012 game against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw. Four stewards needed hospital treatment after being attacked by fans in the Municipal Stadium in Poland. And claims of racist abuse directed at Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie, who is black, are being investigated. The Control and Disciplinary Body will review the case on Wednesday 13 June. A UEFA statement read: 'Having looked at the security reports and available images, UEFA has today announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Football Union of Russia for the improper conduct of its supporters, the setting off and throwing of fireworks, and the display of illicit banners at Friday's UEFA match.'
Anti-racism campaigners claimed that Czech defender Gebre Selassie was the victim of vile and despicable monkey chants during Russia's 4-1 victory, while footage seemingly shows Russian supporters attacking stewards in a walkway of the stadium. The Football Against Racism in Europe network confirmed that one of their observers at the match heard 'fleeting' racist abuse seemingly directed at Gebre Selassie. Asked if it included monkey chants, FARE chief executive Piara Powar said: 'Our observer reported descriptions of that nature. It was directed at the Czech Republic's only black player,' Powar said. Footage of the incident involving the stewards has emerged online, with UEFA releasing a statement saying they are aware of 'a brief and isolated incident involving a small group of around thirty fans who attacked a handful of stewards.' The statement continued: 'The situation was quickly and efficiently brought under control. The local police are aware of the incident and investigating. The cause of the incident is not currently known but we are studying the security reports and available images. UEFA remains entirely committed to the safety and security of all fans and spectators at all matches of Euro 2012.'
England's players paid a sombre and emotional visit to the former Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camps in Poland on Friday. The private trip to the site of the death camp clearly left a strong impression on England manager Roy Hodgson. 'It is a very chastening experience. It's difficult to imagine this type of inhumanity,' he said. Striker Wayne Rooney added: 'It's good to get that history of what happened. It puts football into perspective.' Rooney was joined at Auschwitz - where an estimated one and a half million people died during World War II - by England team-mates Joe Hart, Phil Jagielka, Theo Walcott, Jack Butland, Andy Carroll and Leighton Baines as well as by former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who lost fifteen members of his family at the camp. After walking through the gas chambers and crematoria of Auschwitz, Rooney described his feelings of near disbelief. 'It's hard to understand,' Rooney said. 'I am a parent and it was tough to see what happened there. You've seen the amount of children who died. You see the children's clothes and shoes, it's really sad. You have to see it first hand. You don't realise how those who lived there to work managed without food, without water. It's a form of torture and then they died. The others got murdered.' Everton defender Jagielka, whose grandparents were Polish, said parts of the visit left him fighting back tears. 'To round people up like cattle and bring them to a place just to be killed – I don’t think I can find a word to describe that,' he said. 'I think the worst moment for me was when we went to see the suitcases of the victims and you saw the age difference of those who died – anything from sixty years to three years old.' England coach Hodgson added: 'I have no great knowledge of the war, but obviously know about certain aspects of it. You cannot understand how it can be so systematic, inhuman. It was a job. It is difficult to get your head around. There are so many lessons to be learned and understood from the Holocaust and we believe football can play its part in encouraging society to speak out against intolerance in all its forms - and in advancing the important work of teaching future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.' Football Association chairman David Bernstein, along with Hodgson, wore a skull cap to light a candle in memory of those who died.
Jewish himself, and born in 1943, Bernstein revealed his grandfather had been born in Budapest but the family emigrated to the United States one hundred years ago. Had he remained, he could have been among those rounded up on Hungary's streets under the orders of Heinrich Himmler in 1944 as the so-called Final Solution brought up to seven trainloads of Jews a day to Birkenau. Arsenal winger Walcott said the visit had brought home 'the reality' of a subject he had some knowledge of. 'It is unreal,' he said. 'I learned some of this stuff at school but I could never imagine anything on this scale, it is just beyond belief or comprehension.' The national team manager Roy Hodgson wore his sombre blue England suit, while his players appeared more casual in polo shirts and trainers. Which, as you might expect, gave the Daily Scum Mail something to have a right good tut about. Earlier this week, Italian players visited Auschwitz in tracksuits, while the Dutch team opted for faded jeans and trainers. The Auschwitz Museum advises visitors: 'On the Museum grounds, visitors should behave with the appropriate solemnity and respect. Dress should be appropriate for a place of this nature.' However, the FA said that the players had been advised to wear 'more comfortable clothing' due to the six-hour round trip between Auschwitz and their base in Krakow. They were also told that training shoes would help them on the uneven ground. In a separate visit on Friday, captain Steven Gerrard accompanied other team-mates to Oskar Schindler's factory just outside the Krakow city centre, close to where the England squad are based for Euro 2012. Schindler's story was chronicled in the 1993 Steven Spielberg film Schindler's List, which won best picture and other Academy Awards. This blogger must say, it's very easy to criticise footballers generally and the FA in particular for some of the stunts they pull but, on this particular occasion, they appear to have got the tone and the rational of what was, essentially, a publicity exercise spot on. For all his inarticulate nature, it's hard not to be moved by, for example, Rooney's comments. Like the many thousands each year who pass under that mocking legend Arbeit Mach Frei, Rooney was left incredulous and numbed at the sheer inhumanity of a site which brutally put over a million Jews to their deaths, eighty per cent within two hours of their arrival. There is more to life than football and its good that we're sometimes reminded of that.
Sneijder also sent a header wide and a Dutch goal looked inevitable. But the Danes remained resolute in defence - largely thanks to a superb display by their captain Daniel Agger - and they went ahead with their first meaningful attack. Krohn-Dehli took advantage of a lucky bounce of the ball after a battling run on the left flank by Simon Poulsen, dummied two defenders and shot low through goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's legs. Niki Zimling had a chance to double the lead soon after, but failed to properly connect with a difficult volleyed effort. Substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - left out of the Dutch starting line-up despite scoring twelve goals in qualifying - went through on goal but was denied by some alert and brave goalkeeping and Huntelaar also had a decent claim for a penalty dismissed. Defender Jacobsen appeared to handle the ball while under pressure from Huntelaar, but the referee waved away the Dutch appeals. The Danes held firm and now have a great opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals, while the Dutch - runners-up at the last World Cup - must win at least one of their remaining two fixtures, against either Germany or Portugal, to have any hope.In the day's other game, Mario Gomez's second-half header ensured Germany made a winning start to Euro 2012 after Portugal had threatened to frustrate Joachim Loew's side. Which, if for no other reason than it left Cristiano Ronaldo with a big scowl on his mush was a jolly good thing.
Germany dominated possession but struggled to create many chances until Gomez broke the deadlock from Sami Khedira's cross in the seventy second minute. Portugal were very disappointing and only came to life after Germany had scored. Pepe hit the bar with a rare first-half chance while Nani was also denied by the woodwork late on. The Germans included seven Bayern Munich players in their starting line-up and, judging by their first-half performance, they appeared to be suffering a hangover from their Champions League defeat to Moscow Chelski FC last month. Portugal were unadventurous and clearly determined not to lose as they stifled Germany's attacking threat to such an extent that Loew's side only once seriously tested keeper Rui Patricio in the opening forty five minutes.According to Friday 8 June's overnight ratings BBC1's Match of the Day Live coverage of Poland versus Greece had an audience of 4.26m across the entire prgoramme with a match average of 5.07m and a peak audience of 6.54m at 18:45. On ITV, Euro 2012 Live Czech Republic versus Russia pulled in 4.54m, a match average of 5.40m and a peak of 5.89m at 21:15. On Saturday both matches were broadcast of BBC1, Netherlands versus Denmark being watched by 5.62m (match average: 6.29m, peak: 7.59m at 18.45). From 19:30, Germany versus Portugal had a superb audience of 7.69m (match average: 8.48m, peak: 9.30m at 21.35). Who says football isn't popular with the punters?
ITV have got both matches today. And thus, this is where the shit hits the fans as Spain take on Italy (kick-off 5.00pm). Grumpy odious greed bucket and breakfast TV flop Adrian Chiles presents coverage of the Group C clash at the Arena Gdansk, where reigning champions Spain get their campaign under way. This will be the fourth meeting at a European Championships between these nations - old and somewhat bitter rivals - who previously met in 1980 and 1988, and again in 2008, when a drab quarter-final was settled by penalties. That match in Vienna finished 0-0 after extra time, with neither keeper being troubled on more than a few occasions, and it was Iker Casillas who proved to be the hero as he saved spot kicks from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale. Spain would of course go on to triumph in the final after beating surprise package Russia 3-0 in the semi-finals, before a 1-0 win over Germany saw them claim their first tournament victory in forty four years.
Both sides enter this competition on the back of a strong qualifying campaign, with Spain having topped Group I with a one hundred per cent record. Despite having Fernando Torres as their centre forward. Eight wins and two draws saw The Azzurri progress automatically from Group C. This mouthwatering match between the last two sides to lift the World Cup is not just a clash of titans but a renewing of hostilities between polar opposites. The contrast in ideologies means they won't just be fighting for points, but also for the hearts of neutral fans as Spain's free-flowing passing game goes up against Italy's defensive Catenaccio. Central to their respective side’s hopes will be Xavi and Andrea Pirlo, midfield metronomes whose importance hasn't diminished despite both now entering the autumn of their careers. With - crap - commentary by Jon Champion and Craig Burley and - crap - analysis by Roberto Martinez, Gordon Strachan and Patrick Vieira. Add Chiles in to the mix and you have four people to whom English is not their first language. This should be ... terrible. As usual.And then, it's Republic of Ireland versus Croatia (kick-off 7.45pm). Greed bucket Chiles returns for ITV's coverage from the Municipal Stadium Poznan, where the Group C teams play their opening match of the tournament. The Irish are appearing at a major tournament for the first time since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and only their second-ever European Championship, having made their debut in 1988.
Jack Charlton was in charge on that occasion, and though he could not lead his team beyond the group stage, he did inspire them to a memorable 1-0 victory over a bloody awful England, with a solitary goal from Ray Houghton proving to be enough. They begin this campaign with a tricky encounter against Croatia, who are participating in their fourth European Championship, a fact that is all the more remarkable considering they have only been eligible for the past five. Head coach Slaven Bilic has already announced his departure from the national team following this competition, and will hope to sign off on a positive note. The sides have met on six occasions, and Croatia have only won once, although five of those meetings have been in Dublin, all of which suggests Shay Given might be in for a busy night. Commentary by Peter Drury and Jim Beglin, and there's analysis from Roy Keane, Gareth Southgate and Jamie Carragher. Horrorshow. UEFA has begun disciplinary proceedings against the Football Union of Russia for 'improper conduct of supporters' during Friday's Euro 2012 game against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw. Four stewards needed hospital treatment after being attacked by fans in the Municipal Stadium in Poland. And claims of racist abuse directed at Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie, who is black, are being investigated. The Control and Disciplinary Body will review the case on Wednesday 13 June. A UEFA statement read: 'Having looked at the security reports and available images, UEFA has today announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Football Union of Russia for the improper conduct of its supporters, the setting off and throwing of fireworks, and the display of illicit banners at Friday's UEFA match.'
Anti-racism campaigners claimed that Czech defender Gebre Selassie was the victim of vile and despicable monkey chants during Russia's 4-1 victory, while footage seemingly shows Russian supporters attacking stewards in a walkway of the stadium. The Football Against Racism in Europe network confirmed that one of their observers at the match heard 'fleeting' racist abuse seemingly directed at Gebre Selassie. Asked if it included monkey chants, FARE chief executive Piara Powar said: 'Our observer reported descriptions of that nature. It was directed at the Czech Republic's only black player,' Powar said. Footage of the incident involving the stewards has emerged online, with UEFA releasing a statement saying they are aware of 'a brief and isolated incident involving a small group of around thirty fans who attacked a handful of stewards.' The statement continued: 'The situation was quickly and efficiently brought under control. The local police are aware of the incident and investigating. The cause of the incident is not currently known but we are studying the security reports and available images. UEFA remains entirely committed to the safety and security of all fans and spectators at all matches of Euro 2012.'England's players paid a sombre and emotional visit to the former Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camps in Poland on Friday. The private trip to the site of the death camp clearly left a strong impression on England manager Roy Hodgson. 'It is a very chastening experience. It's difficult to imagine this type of inhumanity,' he said. Striker Wayne Rooney added: 'It's good to get that history of what happened. It puts football into perspective.' Rooney was joined at Auschwitz - where an estimated one and a half million people died during World War II - by England team-mates Joe Hart, Phil Jagielka, Theo Walcott, Jack Butland, Andy Carroll and Leighton Baines as well as by former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who lost fifteen members of his family at the camp. After walking through the gas chambers and crematoria of Auschwitz, Rooney described his feelings of near disbelief. 'It's hard to understand,' Rooney said. 'I am a parent and it was tough to see what happened there. You've seen the amount of children who died. You see the children's clothes and shoes, it's really sad. You have to see it first hand. You don't realise how those who lived there to work managed without food, without water. It's a form of torture and then they died. The others got murdered.' Everton defender Jagielka, whose grandparents were Polish, said parts of the visit left him fighting back tears. 'To round people up like cattle and bring them to a place just to be killed – I don’t think I can find a word to describe that,' he said. 'I think the worst moment for me was when we went to see the suitcases of the victims and you saw the age difference of those who died – anything from sixty years to three years old.' England coach Hodgson added: 'I have no great knowledge of the war, but obviously know about certain aspects of it. You cannot understand how it can be so systematic, inhuman. It was a job. It is difficult to get your head around. There are so many lessons to be learned and understood from the Holocaust and we believe football can play its part in encouraging society to speak out against intolerance in all its forms - and in advancing the important work of teaching future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.' Football Association chairman David Bernstein, along with Hodgson, wore a skull cap to light a candle in memory of those who died.
Jewish himself, and born in 1943, Bernstein revealed his grandfather had been born in Budapest but the family emigrated to the United States one hundred years ago. Had he remained, he could have been among those rounded up on Hungary's streets under the orders of Heinrich Himmler in 1944 as the so-called Final Solution brought up to seven trainloads of Jews a day to Birkenau. Arsenal winger Walcott said the visit had brought home 'the reality' of a subject he had some knowledge of. 'It is unreal,' he said. 'I learned some of this stuff at school but I could never imagine anything on this scale, it is just beyond belief or comprehension.' The national team manager Roy Hodgson wore his sombre blue England suit, while his players appeared more casual in polo shirts and trainers. Which, as you might expect, gave the Daily Scum Mail something to have a right good tut about. Earlier this week, Italian players visited Auschwitz in tracksuits, while the Dutch team opted for faded jeans and trainers. The Auschwitz Museum advises visitors: 'On the Museum grounds, visitors should behave with the appropriate solemnity and respect. Dress should be appropriate for a place of this nature.' However, the FA said that the players had been advised to wear 'more comfortable clothing' due to the six-hour round trip between Auschwitz and their base in Krakow. They were also told that training shoes would help them on the uneven ground. In a separate visit on Friday, captain Steven Gerrard accompanied other team-mates to Oskar Schindler's factory just outside the Krakow city centre, close to where the England squad are based for Euro 2012. Schindler's story was chronicled in the 1993 Steven Spielberg film Schindler's List, which won best picture and other Academy Awards. This blogger must say, it's very easy to criticise footballers generally and the FA in particular for some of the stunts they pull but, on this particular occasion, they appear to have got the tone and the rational of what was, essentially, a publicity exercise spot on. For all his inarticulate nature, it's hard not to be moved by, for example, Rooney's comments. Like the many thousands each year who pass under that mocking legend Arbeit Mach Frei, Rooney was left incredulous and numbed at the sheer inhumanity of a site which brutally put over a million Jews to their deaths, eighty per cent within two hours of their arrival. There is more to life than football and its good that we're sometimes reminded of that.
