Here's the thing. The Dutch played well. They dominated most of the game and had many, many more chances to score than Denmark had. From Van Persie (16) to Robben (11) to Afellay (20), I could name every player on the Dutch team who tried to score a goal and how close many of them were. For every missed chance we had scored, the Dutch would have blown the Danes out of the water. We had twenty-eight shots total and only eight of them were on target. It's frustrating as a fan to see this happen to such a great team.
I'll be the first to admit Van Persie should have been subbed off in the second half after his dismal performance. Yes, he had chances, and yes, he tried to score on those chances, but compared to how he's player previously and what made him a key part in this Dutch National Team, he didn't show up. Afellay did, beating defenders left and right to make a shot, and Sneijder (10) tried numerous time to set up chances to his teammates or make a goal himself. It's frustrating to try and try and try and not get the result you want and in this case, need.
The only goal of the game and one of only eight shots the Danes made came from Krohn-Dehli (9). I have to give the Danes credit. This was a wonderful play with everyone in the right spot and the right kick from Krohn-Dehli to produce the winning and only goal. Of course, Dutch keeper Stekelenburg (1) should have easily deflected this shot, but he didn't and it cost him precious points.
As a Dutch fan, I still have hope for the Orange. In 1988, twenty four years ago, the Dutch lost their first match of the tournament and went on to win it! Still, the Dutch have plenty of talent, as seen in Afellay's gravity defying shot for goal, and if we keep pushing for goals, we'll get them.
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