Czech Republic, winning 4-1 to go top of Group A and look like a serious contender to add to their impressive semi final appearance in 2008.
Group B was equalling exciting as the so called Group of Death got under way with contenders Holland playing Denmark. The Danes shocked the Dutch with a surprise 1-0 win after the Dutch had 32 shots and couldn’t convert. The result has thrown the group on it’s head with the Dutch firm favourites to potentially win the tournament let alone the group. The other cracking fixture saw Germany score late on to defeat Portugal 1-0 to go equal top of Group B with Denmark.
Group C was also entertaining with Spain and Italy fighting out an exciting 1-1 draw. The match opened up in the second half with both teams missing numerous chances to win the match but the draw is not a bad result for either team as both are expected to move through the group stage. The other match pretty much ended the Irish campaign with a 3-1 to Croatia to set up an intriguing 2nd and 3rd round later in the week.
