by Tom Allen
I fancied the Danes to get something against Portugal but they were undone
late on on Wednesday and their Euro 2012 stay looks set to end on Sunday night.
Having begun with an impressive 1-0 win against the Netherlands, Denmark were
expected to frustrate the Portuguese but they were overrun in midfield despite
staging a commendable second half comeback, eventually losing 3-2, and now they
face the Germans.
Two wins from two matches, including last time out when beating their great
rivals 2-1, a score line that probably flattered the Dutch, have set up the
pre-tournament favourites very nicely indeed for the knockout stage and I
anticipate Joachim Low will want to maintain their winning habit.
Germany have, of course, already secured their place in the quarter-finals
and, with a match against anybody but Russia in the last eight, they actually
have one foot in the semis.
Low wont be preaching as much but Germany will already be eyeing revenge
against Spain in the showpiece and that looks the most likely final at this
stage of Euro 2012.
While Denmark still have their qualification destiny in their own hands, it
is a very tall order for them to advance and the clash between Portugal and Bert
van Marwijk's men will surely decide who joins the 1996 champions in the next
phase.
Mario Gomez's brilliant brace was the foundation for success against the
Netherlands but even if the Bayern Munich striker is rested then
man-for-the-big-occasion Miroslav Klose is a more than able debut and Germany
should have too much strength in depth.
With the pressure off, Germany could just turn on the style and I am
surprised they are anything bigger than 1/2 to land the spoils.
Their central midfield, spearheaded by Mesut Ozil, rivals the Spanish and
this is the area of the pitch in which the Danes seem to struggle.
Having been so impressed by the defensive pairing of Daniel Agger and Simon
Kjaer in their opener, that duo were pulled all over the place by Cristiano
Ronaldo and his teammates and Germany are set to pose even more of a threat.
2pts Back Germany (vs. Denmark) @ 8/11 (Bet
365,
Bet Victor)
