Denmark stuns Netherlands in Euro

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) ― Denmark pulled off the first big surprise of the European Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands on Saturday in Group B.

Michael Krohn-Dehli provided the finishing touch that the Dutch inexplicably lacked. He scored against the run of play when he picked up a loose ball close to the penalty area in the 24th minute, left two defenders standing and shot through the legs of Maarten Stekelenburg from a tight angle.

It was something Premier League top scorer Robin van Persie never got close to as he came to symbolize Dutch futility with a couple of bad mistakes. Denmark goalkeeper Stephan Andersen made several clutch saves to secure the most important Danish victory over the Netherlands since the Euro 1992 semifinals.

“It was the only dangerous action of Denmark,” Dutch captain Mark van Bommel complained. “I’m speechless, because these three points are very important.”

The Dutch had their best chance of the match when Andersen gave away the ball to Arjen Robben just outside the area in the 36th minute, but the Bayern Munich winger curled his left-footer onto the far post and out of danger.

“Five of us had chances, once we hit the post, so many good opportunities,” said Van Bommel.

The frustration came to symbolize the sticky night in eastern Ukraine and leaves the World Cup runners-up with two clutch games against top-10 ranked teams, Germany and Portugal.

Late in the match, a penalty appeal for handball was denied when the Dutch were running out of time. Lars Jacobsen appeared to touch the ball with his upper arm in the box.

Gomez lifts Germany

LVIV, Ukraine (AP) ― Moments before he was supposed to leave the game, Mario Gomez headed in the winning goal for Germany.

The Bayern Munich striker made a surprise start Saturday against Portugal at the European Championship and knocked in a deflected cross from Sami Khedira in the 72nd minute to give the Germans a 1-0 victory in Group B.

Gomez, who had created little before the goal, was due to be replaced by Miroslav Klose, who was already waiting on the touchline on his 34th birthday. And Gomez nearly scored another goal before Klose came on in 80th.

“I have two successful seasons behind me but it was a hard road for me,” Gomez said about usually being second choice to Klose. “I am very happy that the coach had confidence in me and with the goal I could pay something back.

“The ball was deflected and landed exactly on the front of my head. It wasn’t that difficult.”