Euro 2012 Results: Surprise Stars from This Year's Action

This year's Euro 2012 action has already seen a big upset by Denmark, and there have also been some surprise standouts from the world football action that will ultimately lead to the 2014 World Cup.

Since the matches are more intense with higher stakes for each country, it's no surprise this year's early action has produced heroes that no one would expected heading into the action.

Here's a look at a few standouts from the early qualifiers who you didn't expect to lead their teams at this point.

Michael Krohn-Dehli, Denmark

The hero from today's upset made his country proud, scooping up the loose ball around the penalty area and splitting the legs of the Dutch goalie Maarten Stekelenburg for the 1-0 that would prove to be decisive in Denmark's win over the Netherlands. 

He's the obvious choice for a standout from this year's early group action. You'll likely hear his name a lot over the course of the next few days, as his goal will appear on SportsCenter and all other kinds of replay action from the upset.

While Denmark pushes on to play Portugal in the next match, look for Krohn-Dehli to be a hot name in the soccer circle, as he looks to improve upon what is easily the high point in his career so far.

Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia

The Russian forward had a great first day, totaling a goal and an assist in Russia's 4-1 dismantling of Czech Republic.

He's a seasoned player, 30 years old and in his second go-round after appearing in the Euro 2008 championships. He helped set up the third goal of the game after entering in the 73rd minute, and then found the net for the fourth goal, as the Russians were able to put away the Czechs.

Look for him to play a key role in the pitch if Russia continues on and wins their group en route to the World Cup.

Pepe, Portugal

Portugal wasn't able to pull out the victory against the heavily favored Germany squad, but the 1-0 outcome wasn't indicative of how the Portuguese played for 90 minutes.

Pepe was at the center of that action, and he was all over the field in helping slow down the Germany squad. Limiting the Germans to one goal is an accomplishment in itself, and having Cristiano Ronaldo on your team will help in future matches.

With a chance for redemption against Denmark and then Netherlands in the coming two weeks, don't count out Portugal or Pepe, despite the early setback against the German team. Pepe's effort is sure to crank up in a must-win against Denmark and then Netherlands.