Euro 2012 Results: Goalscorers Who Failed to Lead Teams
June 9, 2012
Day two at Euro 2012 featured some brilliant action, as the star-studded group of death began their much-anticipated play.
Both games were fast-paced and entertaining, with all four teams showing quality and creativity at various times. Unfortunately for a couple European powerhouses, though, their world-class goalscorers left their shooting boots at home.
Portugal and the Netherlands suit up several elite offensive players, but their big names couldn't deliver against Germany and Denmark, respectively.
Here's who let their teams down on Saturday.
Robin van Persie, Forward, Netherlands
Robin van Persie was the most prolific striker in the English Premier League this season, scoring 30 goals in 37 appearances for Arsenal. He also played well in Champions League competition, finding the net four times in five games.
Unfortunately for the Netherlands, however, Van Persie's nose for the goal didn't carry over to Saturday against Denmark. Van Persie had a host of chances, but he couldn't have kicked the ball into the ocean if he was standing on the beach.
Four of his seven shots missed the target, and he ruined a beautiful pass from Wesley Sneijder just before halftime, with a terrible first touch that took him too wide of goal, allowing keeper Stephan Andersen to make the easy save.
Van Persie is one of the best strikers on the planet, so I'm expecting him to rebound well against Germany on Wednesday. If he doesn't, the Dutch will be heading home early.
Arjen Robben, Midfielder, Netherlands
Van Persie wasn't the only Dutch star who disappointed, as Robben also made a mess of some brilliant chances.
Andersen gifted the Netherlands a golden opportunity in the 36th minute, rolling the ball out to Robben and igniting a 4-on-3 attack (1:19 of this video). Rather than feeding one of his open teammates, though, Robben went it alone, but his effort was just off target and rebounded off the outside of the post.
In all, Robben took seven shots but was unable to find the net. It wasn't a terrible performance, but he will certainly need to be better to defeat a quality German side.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Forward, Portugal
Ronaldo had a solid game against Germany, creating chances for himself and others.
He displayed some of his signature footwork around the box and he had several great opportunities, but he was ultimately foiled by the strong German defense.
After Manuel Neuer saved one of his lasers from just inside the box, Ronaldo had another excellent chance in the 64th minute. However, Jerome Boateng slid in for a perfectly timed challenge before the Real Madrid star could fire on goal.
It wasn't a poor performance from Ronaldo, but against this talented and savvy German defense, he had to be spectacular. He wasn't, and Portugal is now in trouble because of it.