This Week’s Euro 2012 Match Recaps pt.2

Despite upsets for many fans and players some great football was played this week in very heated matches. Viewers huddled around television sets and in local pubs to catch a glimpse of the competition, roots for their favorites and enjoy the atmosphere of the first full week of Euro 2012 competition.

Despite upsets and close calls, several matches emerged this week as pure excitement for fans the world over.

PORTUGAL v. DENMARK
This match in particular was a jaw-dropper. In what was Denmark’s Nicklas Bendtner’s 50th international appearance, the two opponents entertained a back and forth for much of the game. Two first half goals erupted from Portugal’s Pepe and Hélder Postiga each within 12 minutes of each other. Denmark answered back with two to tie from Bendtner, one goal at 41 minutes and a second at 80. What many might have assumed would end in a draw turned in to a win for Portugal as late game substitute, Silvestre Varela fired one deep in to the net from just inside the 18 at 87 minutes, offering Portugal a chance for Euro 2012 redemption.

GERMANY v. NETHERLANDS
A longstanding rivalry exists between these two teams and many looked forward to this match up, pitting underdogs the Netherlands versus the favored German team. The match was off to a rocky start for Netherlands as Germany’s prized striker Mario Gomez erupted with two goals early in the first half. Robin van Persie of the Netherlands answered back with a second-half goal that may have worried the Germans amid soaring temperatures. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough to get Netherlands out of the crosshairs, as Germany took the win and will go on unfazed.