Euro 2012: Denmark Captain Daniel Agger Shines in 1-0 over Holland

Who would have thought that the Danes would edge out the Dutch in the opening Group B match of the Euros?

Skipper Daniel Agger and Co. held their ground as the Oranje peppered the goal with 27 attempts compared to the Danes' measly four.

Agger recorded a fantastic seven interceptions—the most in the game—as well as a 100-percent clearance rating (3/3).

He also made all three of his tackles and successfully passed 88.6 percent of his passes.

The Dutch were presented with multiple opportunities but were unable to capitalize as the Danish back four, captained by the Liverpool defender, managed to keep them at bay. 

Although the Dutch controlled the game—they had 56-percent possession—the Danes recorded 100 percent of their shots on goal, whereas the Dutch shot just seven out of 27 on target—just 26 percent.

The only goal of the game came from Michael Krohn-Dehli, who slotted it past goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg in the 24th minute. The goal gave the Danes more momentum and confidence in their abilities, and they found the strength to shock the Dutch into placing speculative shots with poor control.

The Dutchmen's inability to finish looked unfamiliar, perhaps unsettled by the gall and tenacity of the Danish defenders.

And people thought the Danish would spiral out of the competition scoreless and winless.

With this win, Agger and Co. broke their five-game losing streak against the Netherlands since June 22, 1992, when the Danes won 3-2 in extra time.