Netherlands vs Denmark: Why the Danes Can Be the Surprise Side of Euro 2012

Doesn't the world love an underdog? That was certainly the term that applied to Denmark heading into this tournament.

Sitting in the "group of death," surely they wouldn't be able to cope with the attacking talents of Germany, Portugal and today's opponents the Netherlands, right?  Wrong.

For all the possession their opponent had and shots that Denmark conceded, a large chunk of them came from outside of the box and for much of the match the Danes looked comfortable.

Could we have today witnessed the side who will be the surprise package of UEFA Euro 2012?

Confidence

Heading into today's game the Danes had absolutely nothing to lose, they were already beaten before kickoff in many people's eyes.

As the game wore on though you could sense their confidence growing more and more, a danger for sides still to face them.

As Holland began to rely on shots from distance, Robin Van Persie became more ineffective, and Arjen Robben began to toil, Denmark started to fancy it.

And albeit the goal came from a slice of luck, are we not constantly reminded by players that it is this type of fortune you need on your side from time to time to succeed?

Squad

Another thing running in the favour of the Danes lies with the man at the helm.

Morten Olsen has been in charge of the national side for 12 years, this brings an enormous amount of knowledge to the table that was no doubt exploited to the maximum today.

In terms of personnel on the field too there is reason for optimism.

Fans of the Premier League will all know Nicklas Bendtner is a man that is never short of any confidence, a fearless attitude that any side would love to have.

Dennis Rommedahl has huge experience, and as witnessed today Michael Krohn-Dehli is also a very handy player to have.

In the middle they are blessed with the talents of Christian Eriksen, one of the most sought after players in Europe.

The Ajax man is not only blessed with pace, but it is his quick thinking, vision and intelligence on the pitch that make him such a tricky customer.

In qualifying though it was at the back where Denmark most excelled, conceding just four goals, much fewer than their group B opponents. Although admittedly their strike range doesn't exactly match up either.

Daniel Agger is the main man at the back, charged with marshalling the defence and whom former international Jan Molby said:

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"Our best player is Daniel Agger, he's the one who keeps our defence together and if he plays well we have a chance." (h/t BBC)

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Alongside is Simon Kjaer, a man who is hungry to restore his reputation after a recent unhappy spell.

Hunger, experience, knowledge, a slight piece of luck and now huge confidence, if they can summon some of the spirit of '92 the Danes could well spring a few more surprises.