Euro 2012 Opta Stats: Danish delight in group of death

Denmark's three wins over Portugal have come in their last five meetings (D1 L1)
Hindsight is a beautiful thing, allowing those of us who were busy tagging Denmark as Group B also-rans before the tournament to reflect more positively following their Netherlands triumph, recalling that they actually outperformed next opponents Portugal in qualifying. The view that Portugal's play-off success after falling short there would lead to them peaking in the Ukraine has also been tarnished by a disastrously-timed four-game winless streak during which they have scored just once.

Denmark found the net in every one of their eight qualification matches for Euro 2012 and also scored in their opening match against the Netherlands (1-0)
Michael Krohn-Dehli, Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl doesn't sound like a front three capable of frightening the defences of the mighty Germany, Netherlands and Portugal, but as the former demonstrated against the Dutch, they always seem to find a way through. Three of their 15 qualifying goals came at Portugal's expense, Krohn-Dehli incidentally breaking the deadlock in their most recent clash.

Nicklas Bendtner has scored one goal in four of the last five encounters between the two countries
English fans tend to dislike players high on confidence like Bendtner and more gifted Scandinavian rival Zlatan Ibrahimovic, however the Dane does justify his self-belief more often for his country. An average of a goal every 2.7 internationals suggests that he will grace Group B with a goal, and the above Opta gem signals this as the most likely fixture. Bendtner only struck three times in qualifying yet appears to have hit top form for Denmark during an occasionally difficult club season at Sunderland, scoring six since September.

Recommended Bets:
Back Denmark to win @ 4.57/2
Back Portugal to fail to keep a clean sheet @ 1.625/8
Back Bendtner to score @ 4.77/2

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