Germany have qualified to the quarter-finals with maximum points while the Dutch are out having lost thrice in a row. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal join the Germans in the Last 8 at UEFA Euro 2012.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics for good on Sunday night by inspiring Portugal to a vital 2-1 win over the Netherlands. The Portuguese captain scored both goals to nullify the importance of Rafael Van der Vaart's thunderbolt in the first half.
Ronaldo, who is now the first Portuguese player to have scored in five different major finals, tested the Dutch goalkeeper’s reflex all night long.
Portugal also benefited from the liveliness of Nani in the wings and the combination of Bruno Alves and Pepe in defence. Thankfully for the UEFA Euro 2004 runners-up, the result in the Denmark vs Germany game went their way.
New Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski scored his first goal at Euro 2012 as he took advantage of a miskick by Mario Gomez in the penalty box.
However, the Danes demonstrated their fighting spirit with an equalizer midway through the first-half. The goal came from Jacobsen’s corner. Nicklas Bendtner’s powerful header drove the ball in the perfect direction for Michael Krohn-Dehli to finally head it home.
Denmark needed only one more goal to qualify. They pressed on to achieve their mission but lost all hopes when Bender scored 10 minutes from time. At the Metalist Stadium, Portugal made sure to protect their 2-1 lead until the final whistle.
For the Dutch, UEFA Euro 2012 turned into disaster. Coach Bert Marwijk could not unite a team with stars like Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.
Having secured the top spot in Group B with a total of 9 points, Germany will confront Group A runners-up Greece in the quarter-finals. Portugal will play the Czech Republic.
Ronaldo, who is now the first Portuguese player to have scored in five different major finals, tested the Dutch goalkeeper’s reflex all night long.
Portugal also benefited from the liveliness of Nani in the wings and the combination of Bruno Alves and Pepe in defence. Thankfully for the UEFA Euro 2004 runners-up, the result in the Denmark vs Germany game went their way.
New Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski scored his first goal at Euro 2012 as he took advantage of a miskick by Mario Gomez in the penalty box.
However, the Danes demonstrated their fighting spirit with an equalizer midway through the first-half. The goal came from Jacobsen’s corner. Nicklas Bendtner’s powerful header drove the ball in the perfect direction for Michael Krohn-Dehli to finally head it home.
Denmark needed only one more goal to qualify. They pressed on to achieve their mission but lost all hopes when Bender scored 10 minutes from time. At the Metalist Stadium, Portugal made sure to protect their 2-1 lead until the final whistle.
For the Dutch, UEFA Euro 2012 turned into disaster. Coach Bert Marwijk could not unite a team with stars like Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.
Having secured the top spot in Group B with a total of 9 points, Germany will confront Group A runners-up Greece in the quarter-finals. Portugal will play the Czech Republic.
