Euro 2012 Schedule: Start Times, Live Stream and TV Info for Day 10 Action
Bleachersreport, June 16, 2012
Joern Pollex/Getty Images
Before Euro 2012 started, Group B was considered the toughest in the entire tournament, as every team had the ability to advance. Through two games each, the Group of Death has not disappointed.
Netherlands, considered one of the top teams in the world, is still winless after two matches against Germany and Denmark. The runner-up in the 2010 World Cup now is very close to being eliminated before the quarterfinals.
However, every team in Group B still has the ability to advance to the knockout stage of this prestigious tournament.
The Dutch need the most help, with a German victory in addition to a multi-goal win over Portugal, but all four could use a win to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
With both matches taking place at the same time on Sunday, anything can happen.
Portugal (3 points) vs. Netherlands (0 points)
When: 2:45 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN
Where: Metalist Stadium, Ukraine
Live Stream: ESPN3.com
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The fact that Portugal is in position to advance with little help from Cristiano Ronaldo is outstanding. The forward is one of the best scorers in the world, but he has no goals through two games in Euro 2012 despite 11 shots.
Holland is certain to key on Ronaldo, but they still need to defend the rest of the Portugal attack that was so successful against Denmark.
The big question is the mental state of the Dutch. They are in a rare position of desperation after losing the first two games, but coach Bert van Marwijk needs to keep his team focused.
If they regain composure and play with nothing to lose, the Netherlands can be one of the toughest teams in the world to beat. Otherwise, an early deficit might be enough for the team to fall apart and lose hope in this tournament.
This group has seen no draws to this point, but Portugal should have enough defense to handle a late charge from the Netherlands.
Prediction: Netherlands 1, Portugal 1
Germany (6 points) vs. Denmark (3 points)
When: 2:45 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN2
Where: Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine
Live Stream: ESPN3.com
Joern Pollex/Getty Images
It is still early, but Germany has looked like the best team in the entire tournament so far. Despite facing two very good opponents, the squad is the only one to get two wins in two matches to start the European Championship.
Mario Gomez already has three goals, and that has been enough to cruise to early victories in the first couple of games.
The key for the Germans is to not get complacent. Despite being in good shape within the group, they have not officially advanced yet. A tie will be good enough, but Denmark will be really trying hard for a win.
A tie will likely not be enough for the Danes to advance, so they should push their offense more than usual in an attempt to get on the scoreboard.
Unfortunately, Germany looks too strong at this stage to see Denmark walk away with anything more than a single point. More likely, the opening win against Holland will remain the only highlight of the tournament for the Danes.
Prediction: Germany 2, Denmark 1