Euro 2012 Scores: Opening Matches That Set Tone for Tournament

The first set of matches in the Euro 2012 group stage are nearly complete. While there have only been a couple surprising results, the tone for the entire tournament has already been set. Now, teams will have to adjust to progress to the knockout stage and beyond.

Let's take a look at three games that will have a lasting impact and how they changed the outlook for the squads involved. For a complete look at the scores from Euro 2012 so far, visit the official UEFA tournament site.

Denmark 1, Netherlands 0

Denmark pulled off the biggest upset among the opening fixtures thanks to a goal from Michael Krohn-Dehli. More impressive was the team's defense, which was able to limit a high-powered Netherlands attack to a lot of wild efforts toward goal.

It's a loss that puts Robin van Persie and Co. into an early hole. They were one of the tournament favorites before it began, thanks to a strong run at the last World Cup. But dropping the first game in the "Group of Death" now puts their advancement in serious question.

Everybody knew when Group B was drawn that two strong sides would be eliminated right away. There just weren't many who thought Netherlands would be one of them. Unless they fight back right away, that will be exactly the case, opening up Euro 2012 even more.

Spain 1, Italy 1

Spain would have liked to have earned all three points against its toughest group competition to ease the tension heading into the next two games. That said, a draw is a good result, and it sets La Roja up to keep their run of world dominance alive on the pitch.

This game was a much bigger result for Italy. The Italians were able to prove they can compete with an elite team despite not having their best performance. If Mario Balotelli can keep his head on straight, they will become extremely dangerous.

Both teams played well, but the scary part is that they each still have plenty of room to improve as the players settle in. Croatia will provide a tricky test, but Spain and Italy should both advance and make some noise in the knockout round.

France 1, England 1

After falling behind at the half-hour mark, France was able to bounce right back with a goal from Samir Nasri, which was enough to secure a draw with England. If it weren't for a couple real nice saves from Joe Hart, Les Bleus would have won easily.

The real winner here is new England manager Roy Hodgson. He installed a perfect game plan for his team to ensure that they walked away with at least on point. It wasn't pretty by any means, but without Wayne Rooney to lead the offensive attack, it was effective.

When you consider that France was a hot selection to advance deep in the tournament, England's ability to get a result becomes even more impressive. Hodgson has the Three Lions buying in to his approach, and that will make them a tough out.