Euro 2012 Scores: Results That Will Re-Shape Entire Tournament

Every time a major tournament is played, we can look back on specific games that changed the course of the entire competition.

The 2012 European Championship is no different, as we've seen match results that will surely alter the future landscape of the tourney.

Here are three of those tournament-changing results.

Denmark 1, Netherlands 0

This is a huge blow to one of the favorites to win the tournament. Behind Spain and Germany, Holland was one of the most highly touted squads coming into the competition. 

That all changed when they were upset by the Danes, suffering a crushing 1-0 loss that saw the Dutch unable to capitalize on any opportunity they were afforded.

This is huge for Denmark, as they now have as good a chance as any team in the Group of Death to finish in the top two and advance. If the Danes are able to finish second in the group behind Germany, they would likely play Russia, as the winner of Group A is set to meet the runner-up in Group B in the quarterfinals.

Russia would be a good matchup for Denmark, as the Danes stalwart defense could be able to neutralize the high-powered Russian offense.

It also opens up the door for Portugal. If they can get a win against Denmark on June 13, they'll be in a better position than the Danes and the Dutch to finish behind Germany in the group.

Spain 1, Italy 1

This was a crucial result for the Blues, as they gave themselves a great chance to finish in the top two of Group C.

It was an even bigger victory for Croatia, though, as the Blazers were able to get a 3-1 win against Ireland on Saturday in Poznan. That puts Croatia atop the group after the first set of games. It also puts them on top in terms of goal differential. If the Croatians can get a win—or even a draw—against the Italians on June 14, they'll remain on top unless Spain beats Ireland by two goals (which could happen).

The most important match for the group will probably be Spain vs. Croatia on June 18, the final match the two play in the group stage. If it comes down to that, the match will determine who plays the winner of Group D and who plays the runner-up in Group D.

Russia 4, Czech Republic 1

The Russians put on an impressive display of firepower when they romped the Czech Republic by a score of 4-1.

They should be able to win Group A, and if they do, they'll meet the runner-up of Group B. As of now, the Danes are in position to finish second, and if that holds up, Russia will meet them in the quarterfinals.

I mentioned before that the Danish defense may be able to bottle up the Russian attack, but we'll just have to wait and see which side prevails.

Russia is a very respectable squad, with the likes of Andrey Arshavin and Alan Dzagoev on offense. Dzagoev did well to start the tournament hot, netting two goals in his team's first match. Although Arshavin didn't find the back of the net, he was the facilitator in the opener, finding his teammates with precise through balls.

Despite the fact that they are underdogs to reach the later stages of the tournament, they could certainly make an upset bid in the knockout round.