What: Euro 2012 Group B
Who: Denmark vs Portugal
When: Wednesday 13th June, 2012, at 17:00 UK Time
Where: Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine

Danish Dynamite Ready to Explode

Denmark coach Morten Olsen had a simple explanation for his side’s surprise win against Holland in their Euro 2012 opener. “The other teams in our group must win – we win just try to”, said the long-serving national team boss.

A “nothing to lose” mindset could well be Denmark’s strongest point in Poland/Ukraine, and this lack of pressure may even lead to another shock result against a Portugal side under real pressure to pick up their first points.

Denmark’s game against Holland however showed that Olsen’s men still have much work to do to increase their defensive solidity. The Dutch missed at least three clear goalscoring chances, while Arjen Robben hit the post after goalkeeper Stephan Andersen misplaced a pass. Luck will not always be on the Danes’ side – this is a lesson which must be learned in time for this match.

Looking for Consistency

New coach, same old problems. The 1-0 defeat against Germany in Portugal’s first Euro 2012 match clearly demonstrated that the country’s age old problem of finishing has yet to be solved. Portugal still lack a top class hitman; Helder Postiga has never been prolific, while Nelsen Oliveira and Silvestre Varela still appear too inexperienced for the international stage.

However, what the Portuguese faithful are most concerned about is talisman Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of consistency at international level. Even against Germany the Real Madrid icon performed well below his usual standards. This was the case too for other mainstays such as Nani, Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles. And this may suggest Portugal’s superiority here is simply on paper.

Coach Bento though is remaining positive. "I continue to believe we can get through. We are in a difficult situation, but we have been here before." Indeed, Portugal will remember that back at Euro 2004 they lost their first group game, against Greece, but then reached the final; ultimately losing again to Greece.

Recent form

Denmark:
Denmark 1-3 Brazil (26/05; Friendly)
Denmark 2-0 Australia (02/06; Friendly)
Holland 0-1 Denmark (09/06; Euro 2012)

Portugal:
Portugal 0-0 Macedonia (26/05; Friendly)
Portugal 1-3 Turkey (02/06; Friendly)
Germany 1-0 Portugal (09/06; Euro 2012)

Players to watch

Denmark – Simon Kjaer: Once one of the most promising centre backs in Europe, Kjaer had a disappointing campaign at Roma, being voted as amongst the top flops of the 2011/12 Serie A season. With Denmark however, the blonde defender has always been able to perform well, as was clearly the case against Holland. Alongside defensive partner Daniel Agger, Kjaer built a wall no Dutch player could pass – he must do the same here.

Portugal – Nani: Wing master Nani has scored the only goal Portugal have managed in the whole of 2012, in the 3-1 friendly defeat to Turkey on 2nd June. Denmark however are the Manchester United man’s favourite opponents – he has scored four of his 13 international goals against the Danes, and netted a brace in Bento’s first game in charge, a 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying win in 2010. Playing against the Danes may help Nani shrug off his usual lack of consistency.

Match Prediction

Despite being clear underdogs once again, Denmark will still be stubborn opponents for Portugal to handle and may be able to spring a surprise. Olsen’s men are likely to wait for Portugal to make the running and then hit them on the counter attack. While the Portuguese have more quality, they also have more pressure on their shoulders. This will be a close contest and is probably heading towards a spectacular draw.

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