Euro 2012 Scores: Biggest Question Marks After First 2 Days

Two groups have played their opening games in Euro 2012 with varied results across the board.

A team's first tilt in a major international tournament can serve as a tune-up, or it can give momentum to a superior squad.

Each team established their own reputation in the past two days.

Let's take a look at a few burning questions from the first two days of Euro 2012.

Where did the Netherlands' Firepower Go?

The Netherlands scored 36 goals in qualifying rounds leading up to Euro 2012. Instead of continuing that trend, they were blanked by Denmark in their opening game.

Denmark's victory over the Netherlands is their first since 1992 in international play.

Netherlands out shot Denmark 28-8, but only put eight of those shots on net. If that ratio doesn't improve they will have a tough time emerging from the ultra-competitive Group B.

They could not cash in 11 corner kicks or a six percent advantage in possession time. For an elite international squad, that's simply not acceptable.

Robin an Persie, Arjen Robben and the rest of Holland's attack must find their pace in their next match. If they can't, a disappointing Euro tournament is inevitable.

Being shutout by Denmark does not bode well with Portugal and Germany lurking ahead.

Should Mario Gomez Remain Germany's Starting Striker?

Gomez gave Germany a decisive one-goal advantage against Portugal in today's Group B clash.

He played 80 minutes before Miroslav Klose took his place for Joachim Low's side.

Klose can be considered another starter on the German bench. He has a lengthy international reputation, including 14 career World Cup goals.

The debate between Gomez and Klose was highly contested coming into today's matchup, and I'm not sure the debate is dead. Granted, Gomez netted the game-winning goal, but he was neutralized otherwise.

Portugal's strength lies in the midfield and on their attack. Gomez, and the rest of the German offense, should be able to penetrate their defense with relative ease.

Instead, Portugal managed to contain Germany's excellent midfield and Gomez.

Expect Gomez to start Germany's next game. He has to be rewarded for his clutch goal in today's 72nd minute, but I think Klose finds his way into the starting lineup at some point.

He's battling injury right now, but Klose's international experience will be invaluable to this German side.

Will Russia Emerge From Group A?

Russia dominated the Czech Republic, 4-1, in Group A's second game on Friday. Before that, Poland and Greece battled to a, 1-1, tie.

One simple conclusion can come from these opening games. Russia must be Group A's strongest team, or are they?

Russia's one-sided victory on Friday was not necessarily unexpected, but its lopsided nature certainly was. They dominated both sides of the ball, got two goals from Alan Dzagoev and repeatedly squashed anything resembling a comeback bid.

With Poland and Greece's meager offensive showing, things are looking up for the Russian side.

Momentum certainly goes a long way into success on the international stage. Their victory yesterday was the most obvious beatdown of Euro 2012's first four contests.

If Russia were in another group, their emergence would seem less likely. But in a mediocre Group A, anything is possible.