The Group of Death has ended. It was the Netherlands that succumbed. Germany beat Denmark 2-1 to win the group. Portugal edged the Dutch 2-1 on goals from Cristiano Ronaldo to take second place. The pair progress to the quarterfinals where they will meet Greece and the Czech Republic respectively, and be heavy favorites.

The Germans were as advertised. They kept things settled and won all three matches in a tough group. They have not yet unloaded on a team, though they have that capability. It’s hard to see Greece (or France/Italy/England for that matter) spoiling their appointment with Spain in the final.

Portugal will scare any team that faces them from here forward. They defend narrowly and are difficult to break down. Ronaldo, when in form as he was in the final match, is an unceasing menace. The Portuguese impressed in their final two matches and played well enough to deserve points from Germany in the first.  One worrisome thing for them may be defending crosses. They allowed the two Bendtner goals. Had they Dutch had better touch those chances were there as well. With Pepe and Bruno Alves in central defense, that’s a bit surprising.

Denmark acquitted themselves as well as could reasonably be asked of them. They upset Holland. They put up a fervent fight against both Portugal and Germany. Their trouble was they were merely okay defensively. Success at this level with less talent requires defensive organization. The Danes allowed two to Germany, three to Portugal and, on a better finishing day, would have allowed that many to the Dutch as well. They were the weakest team, but by no means weak.

Euro 2012 was a nightmare for the Netherlands. They were profoundly unfortunate in the opening loss to Denmark and, forced to play on the front foot from there forward, never regained their balance. Their weaknesses, a mediocre back line and an aging midfield, emerged. Their quality up front did not. It wasn’t a France 2010 level cataclysm, but it was ugly. Don’t feel bad for the team. Feel bad for the fans still waiting for their hideous two-tone orange shirts to arrive in the mail.

[Photo via Getty]