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Denmark won 1-0 against the 2010 World Cup runners-up to cause the first major upset of the tournament.
Netherlands started off in their usual attacking fashion and enjoyed most of the possession until out of nowhere, Michael Krohn Dehli produced a fine finish in the 24th minute. Denmark gradually returned into the game but it was the Dutch players’ wastefulness that cost them points in their opening fixture. Despite having around 60% possession and 28 chances, the Oranje failed to convert even one of them and the selfishness of Robben combined with a rare bad outing for Robin van Persie led to their downfall. Denmark held firm in the second half and goalkeeper Andersen should be credited for making a couple of wonderful saves.
Netherlands
Maarten Stekelenburg (6) : Could have done much better to prevent Krohn Dehli from scoring as the ball went from in between his legs. Made a few reflex saves in the second half to keep his side in the game.
Gregory Van der Wiel (5) : Stuck to his job of defending and didn’t offer much in attack. Looked stable despite transfer rumors linking him with a plethora of clubs.
John Heitinga (4.5) : The Everton defender was outpaced for the opening goal and looked uncomfortable against the Danish front trio. Made a few aerial interceptions to keep Bendtner on bay.
Ron Vlaar (5.5) : Was included in place of the injured Mathijsen and made a great impact on the game with his long passes. Looked threatening on set pieces but failed to convert a clear header from a corner.
Jetro Willems (5.5) : At 18 years and a few days, he became the youngest player ever to feature in the Euros. The PSV Eindhoven defender announced his arrival by hitting a shot from 30 yards out from his first touch of the match. Looked confident throughout the match and supported the attack ably.
Nigel de Jong (5.5) : The no-nonsense defensive midfielder did his job nicely and looked comfortable with the ball. Was replaced in the 71st minute by Van der Vaart when Holland needed a bit of creativity in their attack.
Mark Van Bommel (6.5) : The captain was the link between his side’s attack and defence. His marking didn’t allow the highly rated Cristian Eriksen to make an impact on the game. Earned himself a yellow for a rash late challenge on Zimling in the second-half.
Arjen Robben (5.5) : Remained far wide and constantly kept switching his flanks. Created a few chances but was guilty of being selfish on a couple of occasions. Went closest to scoring by hitting the woodwork in the first half.
Wesley Sneijder (7.5) : The most consistent Dutch player on the night. On his 28th birthday, the Inter Milan playmaker showed his class by a few delicious through balls. Was a constant threat to the Dane defenders but failed to convert a couple of chances that came in his way.
Ibrahim Afellay (6) : Started on the left hand side of the pitch but made a few runs into the middle and created chances for himself. But just like Robben, his finishing let him down. Had a couple of shots that flew high over the bar. Was eventually replaced by Huntelaar in the 71st minute.
Robin Van Persie (5) : A night to forget for the Premier League leading goalscorer. It was one of those days when everything landed either a couple of inches in front or a couple of inches behind the striker. Failed to convert at least 5 decent chances for the Oranje.
Denmark
Stephan Andersen (7.5) : Made some great saves throughout the 90 minutes. Was quick to get off his line and block a couple of chances from Robin van Persie and Huntelaar. Was lucky when Robben failed to produce anything from his abysmal clearance.
Lars Jacobsen (6.5) : Stayed alert and managed to contain most of the threat posed by Afellay. A decent outing for the FC Copenhagen right back.
Daniel Agger (7) : An excellent display from the Liverpool man. Nullified the threat posed by van Persie and made a few vital interceptions.
Simon Kjaer (8) : The Roma center back managed to shrug off a shaky start and grew in stature as the match progressed. His physical presence kept the Dutch forwards on bay and they were forced to shoot from distance.
Simon Poulsen (6) : Was quick while going forward but was caught out of place by Arjen Robben on numerous occasions. Must have alerted football scouts worldwide nevertheless.
William Kvist (6.5) : Played an important role in the midfield to contain wave after wave of Dutch attack.
Niki Zimling (6) : Passed the ball around and worked his socks off on the pitch.
Dennis Rommedahl (5.5) : Was well marked by Jetro Willems. Had nothing much to do and spent most of the time supporting his defenders.
Cristian Eriksen (5.5) : Managed to stay invisible for most of the match before being replaced by Lasse Schone in the 74th minute.
Michael Krohn-Dehli (7) : Produced a classy left footed finish between Stekelenberg’s legs. Kept appearing out of nowhere on numerous occasions to keep Heitinga on his toes.
Nicklas Bendtner (6) : Played everywhere in the front three. Never really got a shot on goal but provided stability to his side.
