Euro 2012: Day 10 as it happened

Two Groups done, two still to go. Tomorrow, I'll be back in the seat to guide you through the conclusion of Group C. The Republic of Ireland's interest in the quarter-finals is already over, leaving Italy (who face Giovanni Trappatoni's side), Spain and Croatia to battle it out for the two qualification spots. One of the two that progress would provide the opponent for England, should they make it to the last eight.

In the meantime, you can watch highlights and read reports and reaction to tonight's games on this very website and watch highlights of both games on Match of the Day on BBC One from 22:55 BST. I'll see thee.

Germany coach Joachim Loew, whose team qualified top of Group B courtesy of a 2-1 win over Denmark: "There is a certain maturing process that has happened so far in this tournament. We were not quite so good with the overall organisation. The team has gone through a good development process."

Germany captain Philipp Lahm: "Every match in this group was difficult. But when you get three wins in three matches then you have marched through the group."

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk on his side's exit from Euro 2012 following the 2-1 defeat to Portugal: "I think we started quite well today and we scored after about 10 minutes, but you saw that when we concede a goal, the uncertainty remains.

"If we'd scored a second, we might have been more sure of ourselves, but we didn't take our chances."

Denmark will leave Euro 2012 with their heads held high. They were the designated whipping boys in Group B, but beat one of the tournament favourites, came close to claiming a point against Portugal and certainly did not disgrace themselves in defeat by the Germans.

Nicklas Bendtner will come away with his reputation enhanced (and possibly open arms from Arsenal) as will fellow striker Michael Krohn-Dehli and defenders Daniel Agger, Simon Kjaer and Simon Poulsen.

Portugal midfielder Miguel Velso: "Once again we showed how united we are as a team. It wasn't easy to start with a defeat. The secret was our defending, our humility."

Lars Bender was making his very first start for Germany. It's not a bad way to cap that, scoring the winner. He was also playing out of position as a full-back. By trade he is a midfielder.

Another man making a significant appearance and crowning it with a goal was Arsenal-bound Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who scored his 44th goal in his 100th international appearance.

"It was something special for me that I got a goal in my 100th match," Podolski told German televsion. "The most important thing is that we won. It was a tough match against a strong Denmark team and fortunately we got the second goal and won it.

"We had three matches and three wins and now we'll prepare for [a quarter-final against] Greece."

Germany's Lars Bender, who scored the winner against Denmark: "It is something special for me. It's a wonderful present to come in top in this group.

"There were positive spirits out there tonight. We were focused on getting a goal. It was a bit of luck that the ball came to me but you don't think a lot about it, you just shoot it in."

We've now got two confirmed quarter-finals. As Group B winners, Germany go forward to play Greece, with Portugal taking on Group A table-toppers the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic v Portugal match is in Warsaw on Thursday 21 June. Germany will play Greece in Gdansk a day later.

The Group B table finishes like this...

Germany top the group with nine points and a goal difference of +3. Portugal are second with six points and a +1 goal difference. Denmark are third with three points (-1 goal difference) while the Netherlands are rock bottom with zero points and a goal difference two worse than the Danes.

Hands up who predicted that?

It would appear the Netherlands took the group of death literally and were utterly lifeless throughout their whole campaign. Arguably, Wesley Sneijder was their only decent performer. Robin van Persie scored one great goal but his wasteful displays against the Danish (in particular) and the Portuguese will be what everyone remembers. He perhaps suffered for having run himself into the ground for Arsenal this season. And where was Arjen Robben?

The right teams have gone through tonight. Germany have been the best side in the group, reflected by a 100% haul of nine points. They look typically efficiently ruthless. Portugal haven't shown as much consistency and started slowly, but they have joined the party in a big way now, largely thanks to their talismanic pin-up boy Cristiano Ronaldo, who was simply world class tonight.

Denmark peaked in the first game with their spirited victory over the Dutch, but their lack of quality means they have just fallen short. The star-studded Netherlands, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were, quite simply, dreadful - the sum total of a host of underperforming parts.

We're deep into injury time now. The Netherlands are limping out of Euro 2012 without a point and just two goals to their name. Denmark have shown great spirit, but ultimately it is not going to be enough.

Robin van Persie sums up the Dutch at this tournament. He has been so prolific for Arsenal in the last year but when put through on goal by Wesley Sneijder he can only toe-poke his shot wide from 15 yards.

The Dutch are all over the place. Nani floats a cross just too long for Cristiano Ronaldo at the back post before firing over from distance. Bert van Marwijk's side are mentally shot. They are going out. Denmark continue to battle, but it is not looking good for them. Germany and Portugal have a hold on Group B.

Denmark have a big shout for a penalty. It is a good one as well. Nicklas Bendtner is dragged down in the box by Holger Badstuber as he looks to latch on to the ball, but the referee gives nothing, to the Danish striker's utter disgust.

As things stand, one goal for Denmark puts Germany out. Are we going to have another table-topping favourite before kick-off suffering a shock exit?

How are Portugal not ahead?! Cristiano Ronaldo latches on to a ball on the right and cuts into the box before laying on the perfect cross for Nani, who is about eight yards out and with the goal at his mercy, but puts his shot to close to Maarten Stekelenburg, who produces a great save.

20 minutes to go. It is all on the Danes and the Dutch to change things. They are both going out unless they can score (twice in the Netherlands' case). The Danes have a go, with Niki Zimling's shot from 30 yards but Manuel Neuer clumsily tips it behind. The corner comes to nothing.

Germany threaten. A strike across goal from Andre Schurrle from an angle on the left inside the box draws a superb save from Danish keeper Stephan Andersen, who pushes the ball away with a strong hand.

Robin van Persie has been quiet. Very quiet. But he has his first real sight of goal 65 minutes into the game. His effort from range is blocked by a Portuguese defender, though. In a flash, Portugal break with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge. He passes the ball into the box for Fabio Coentrao and he cuts inside a challenge before drawing a good diving save from Maarten Stekelenburg. It remains 1-1.

The onus is not on Portugal in Kharkiv but they continue to be the most positive side. The Netherlands have so much attacking talent but they cannot create anything at the moment against a very comfortable Portuguese side.

To remind you, as it stands Germany and Portugal are going through from this group.

Now the Netherlands have an opportunity to create something. They have a free-kick wide on the left. Wesley Sneijder delivers and it is aimed at Nigel de Jong but he is unable to get enough contact on it to send the ball goalwards. Just over 30 minutes for the Dutch to alter the picture in Group B and save themselves.

The Netherlands haven't created much but they have a great opening here. A cross from the left finds Ron Vlaar unmarked in the box, but he makes a hash of the header and connects with his shoulder instead. The ball goes harmlessly wide of goal.

Portugal again on the attack, but Joao Pereira slices his shot from the edge of the area high and wide of goal.

The Netherlands start with a modicum of control courtesy of a period of possession, but it goes nowhere. Portugal have the first sight of goal as - guess who? - Cristiano Ronaldo collects a chipped ball from Nani in the box. His shot is blocked, though.

You ready for the second half? Tough if not, because it is about to happen. Hard hats on.

Bizarrely, ITV are showing shots of a man outside the stadium in Kharkiv with a ferret on a lead. I believe that is one of the choruses Sandie Shaw rejected for her 1967 Eurovision entry.

At half-time, these are the latest standout statistics from the two Group B matches:

Portugal 1-1 Netherlands

Possession: 42%-58%

Balls played: 190-317

Shots: 12-7

Denmark 1-1 Germany

Possession: 41%-59%

Balls played: 255-334

Shots: 5-7

(Prozone)

You can all draw breath now. Euro 2012 continues to stubbornly refuse to disappoint. We are not going to have our first goalless draw of the tournament today. However, we are no clearer to knowing who will be going through from Group B. As is stands, Germany (with seven points) are going through as group winners, with Portugal joining them. Paulo Bento's side are level with Denmark on four points but win the "mini-league" between them courtesy of their win over the Danes. The Netherlands, like an unruly customer in the Queen Vic, are going ahhhhht.

We're nearing half-time of what have been two frantic and fascinating Euro 2012 games.

Great chance for Mario Gomez as he cuts into the box and looks to shoot from 10 yards, but is momentarily put off by a sliding Danish tackle. However, the ball breaks again for Gomez and only Stephan Andersen's quick dart off his line to claim the ball prevents it becoming 2-1 to Germany.

Only former striker Jurgen Klinsmann has scored more goals for Germany at the Euros (five) than Lukas Podolski (four). (Opta)

Denmark almost gift Germany a goal as William Kvist's attempted clearance falls straight to Sami Khedira 12 yards out and with only Stephan Andersen to beat, but the German midfielder snatches at the shot and it goes wide. It remains the Cristiano Ronaldo show in Kharkiv. He drives down the left and blazes a shot past the post.

Portugal have a free-kick of their own in Kharkiv, but from wide on the right. A cross would be most sensible but Miguel Veloso looks to catch Maarten Stekelenburg out with a shot. It is just too high, though, and beats the crossbar by a yard or two.

Germany have a big chance here. Thomas Mueller is fouled by Simon Kjaer for a free-kick right on the edge of the box. It is teed up for Lukas Podolski, who smashes a rising shot just a yard or two over the bar.

Cristiano Ronaldo is involved in absolutely everything at the moment. He gets a head to a near-post corner from the right but puts his effort just wide of the post. The Netherlands have no answer to Portugal or their star player.

Mario Gomez is the tournament's joint top-scorer and has looked lethal so far, but he makes a real mess of a volley from a corner and his fluffed effort falls comfortably into the arms of Stephan Andersen. Meanwhile, in Kharkiv it is still all Portugal and Maarten Stekelenburg is forced to palm away a powerful long-range drive from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid winger is really in the mood tonight.

Ding, ding, all change. Germany and Portugal currently going through with seven and four points each.

Portugal look for a quick second. Cristiano Ronaldo helps a left-wing cross on to Nani on the edge of the area, but after teeing himself up he drags his shot just past the near post. The Netherlands bench looks very worried. They are second-best at the moment.

The Dutch can't worry about the other game, just their own. They go close again as Wesley Sneijder strikes a shot from distance, but Rui Patricio is behind it and saves.

So, as things stand Germany and Denmark are heading through to the last eight. When Germany led, it was briefly Portugal in second, but that has all changed........for now.

The Netherlands go close again as Nigel de Jong heads a corner over at the back post. Portugal respond with a header of their own as Cristiano Ronaldo's effort is saved by Maarten Stekelenburg.

Germany should be ahead. It is Thomas Mueller again with the chance as the ball breaks to him just a few yards from goal following a cross from the left, again from Mezut Ozil. However, the German hits his shot straight at Danish keeper Stephan Andersen, who gratefully clutches the ball to his chest after initially saving with his feet. Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, Cristiano Ronaldo sees a free-kick from 30 yards deflect behind off the wall. Netherlands keeper Maarten Stekelenburg is fouled as Portugal look to capitalise on the corner and the Dutch survive.

Netherlands on the attack. Shock. Gregory van der Wiel is released down the right and his cross is just too high for Robin van Persie, but the ball falls to Wesley Sneijder, who can't keep his shot down.

First effort to Germany in Lviv. Mezut Ozil's cross from the left travels through the box to Thomas Mueller wide right, but his left-foot shot goes just over the bar.

Right, here we go. Once more unto the breach, dear friends.

National anthems time. As usual, there is a mix of stony-faced concentration and passionate singing from the players. Cristiano Ronaldo is a singer.

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Alan Green in Kharkiv: "How can you have a situation where Germany have won two games but might not qualify? How can you have the Netherlands having lost two games yet still might qualify? That is why Group B is a great group and why it has been called the Group of Death.

"The Dutch know what they have to do, they have to win by two clear goals and consequently it is a much more attacking team that has been named."

If nothing else, this tournament has kept interpretive dancers in work. Once again they get to do their stuff as the pre-game ceremonies take place in both Lviv and Kharkiv. Meanwhile, the teams are in the tunnels, no doubt psyching themselves up to head back into the group of death.

The Danes have their own star name who has yet to do much at Euro 2012. Is Christian Eriksen going to show tonight what has got so many scouts flocking to Ajax to see him play? "It's true that I've been lacking some energy and freshness," Eriksen said. "I don't think I've played as I was supposed to. Even if some aspects have gone well, it's just that it feels something is lacking." Is that a no, then?

There are questions within the big questions that also need answering tonight? One being, will the real Cristiano Ronaldo show up for Portugal? During the game with Denmark, Danish fans tweaked his nerves by chanting the name of his rival in Spanish football, Lionel Messi. Ronaldo wouldn't let it lie (oh, he just would not let it lie!). "Do you know where Messi was this time last year?," he said. "He was being knocked out of the Copa America on home soil with Argentina. I think that's worse."

Despite their wastefulness in front of goal, midfielder Mark van Bommel says team spirit is not a problem. It certainly wasn't for him earlier when he was grinning like a mentalist at Metalist.

"The atmosphere, after two losses, is not as it would be if we'd won twice," said Van Bommel. "It's not that we're completely down. We've got a really nice last chance and we're going to take it."

There is only one thing that will ensure Dutch harmony, though, and that is a 2-0 win and a Denmark defeat tonight.

Often stats can be misleading. On other occasions they paint the picture as clear as crystal. The latter is very much the case when you look at the Netherlands' tournament stats. The Dutch have produced a massive 41 attempts on goal in two matches, but only hit the target with 14 of them. With just one goal to their name so far, they will know where to point the analytic finger if it all goes wrong tonight.

"England relaxed in the second half and that is what we need to do. We were forcing things in the first half we didn't need to. [Substitute] Ellen White made a fantastic contribution in the second half she made things happen."

"But how can the Dutch save themselves? How?!" I hear you howl in fictitious anger. Calm down, I'm going to tell you. Well, in fact, Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf is going to tell you. But he only says what I was thinking. Honest. "The key thing in Kharkiv for the Netherlands will be about scoring goals," says Seedorf/thinks me. "They need to go for it, because Portugal will definitely sit back and wait and make things difficult for them," he surmises/I opine. "But the main thing is that they have to believe they can win," he concludes/I muse. So alike, me and Clarence.

Portugal have a proud record to maintain tonight. They are the only country at Euro 2012 who have never crashed out in the group phase of a Euro finals before. The Netherlands' record is not quite that good, but still decent. They have not been eliminated in the group phase of a major championship since Euro 1980.

One thing that does not bode well for the Dutch tonight is that they have only registered one win over Portugal from their last 10 meetings. This was a 1-0 victory in a European Championship qualifier in October 1991. Portugal have won six, with the other three matches drawn. In addition, Portugal have kept a clean sheet against the Netherlands in six of their 10 encounters.

You may also remember that one of the recent meetings between these two was in the 2006 World Cup, when it kicked off big style and included a record-equaling 16 yellow cards, leading to four red cards (two for each country).

Nothing gets your big tournament juices flowing like a bit of bad blood.

"Official attendance confirmed as 5,505. English fans continue to see their team dominant the Netherlands at the Salford Stadium. The Lionesses are creating lots of chances & looking dangerous everytime they push forward. Yankey's free-kick still the difference between the two sides."

We're getting our first shots of the Dutch players out on the pitch in Kharkiv. Considering the situation they look pretty relaxed. Mark van Bommel is having a good old laugh. But then, he's not starting tonight.

There may be more on German minds tonight than just topping Group B. Germany and Denmark have not met in the European Championships since their memorable meeting in the final of 1992 when the Danes completed a fairytale victory, having being drafted into the finals at the last minute.

Of the total 25 meetings between the two nations, Germany have won 14, Denmark eight, with three draws. Denmark salvaged a draw in the last meeting between the two, a friendly in August 2010, recovering from 2-0 to rescue a 2-2 draw.

"Everybody is talking about a Germany-Spain final. But there is a long way to go to get there. We have not achieved anything yet." So says Germany's Mario Gomez, who is joint top-scorer in the competition with three goals.

The Germans have to get out of Group B first. Granted, with two wins from two, they are in pole position to do so. But if yesterday taught us anything it is that nothing is cut and dry in Euro 2012.

Right, enough about last night. We're just an hour away from kick-off in tonight's games from Group B.

As I said just a couple of entries back, Greece won the Euros in 2004. Our tactical analysis piece of last night's action picks up on that very theme to suggest the Greeks evoked the spirit of eight years ago to spur them on in this tournament. The win over Russia was in fact their first since the final victory in 2004.

"It was quick thinking. I saw this happen in the cup final. It was a great thinking by Rachel Yankey. It is great for England but if I was one of those Dutch players I really would not be happy. You have to have someone stood on the ball to make sure it does not happen and it was a poor goal to concede."

Just glanced at a TV set and noticed it is about to kick off in Paris, where the Allies XI is taking on the Fuhrer's German outfit. I'm predicting the game will end 4-4, with the Brazilian lad scoring, that defender who looks like John Wark having a stormer and Rocky saving a penalty. I also suspect there will be a suspicious delay before the start of the second half. Let's see if I'm right. Of course, in the real world, Germany take on Denmark is just over an hour at Euro 2012.

"Andy Carroll is starting to look like the player he was at Newcastle. It took him a little while to settle at Liverpool but as the season has gone on he has become more and more confident. If Roy Hodgson does leave him out on Tuesday it will be a massive decision."

"The momentum of the game is shifting and I think that is important. You have to score when you are on top and the Dutch did not do that in the first half. Let's see if England can do it now they are on top."

It is an understatement to say the Greeks were chuffed with their win last night. They went absolutely bonkers. Goalscorer Giorgos Karagounis was particularly pumped up, both during and after the game.

At one point in the second half he was denied a penalty kick and was booked for diving and spent the following two minutes chucking every toy he had to hand out of his pram. Even after he was substituted he spent his time on the bench chuntering away.

However, he was a picture of joy at full-time. Angry, angry joy. "We did not give up. We can compare this to our cherished moments in Portugal in 2004," he said after.

They won it in 2004, you see. But you knew that.

It was a costly night for Poland all round yesterday. Not only did they see their challenge for Euro glory on their own turf evaporate, but they also lost a coach after Franciszek Smuda announced he was leaving his post. To be fair, his contract was always expiring after the tournament, so it wasn't such a big surprise. He is the first managerial casualty of the competition, though. He probably won't be the last either. Major international tournaments have a ruthless way of sorting the wheat from the gaff(er).

If Netherlands exit tonight, I suspect Bert van Marwijk will be getting his CV in order.

"England 0-0 Netherlands at half-time. The Dutch enjoying the majority of possession & looking much more comfortable on the ball. England will need to switch gear & up their speed for the next half."

The second half of that game has just got under way. It is live on BBC Two.

What about last night then eh? Pretty good right? In case you missed it all and your Sunday has been so lazy you couldn't even be bothered to find out, I can tell you that Russia went from group leaders to tournament leavers in the space of 90 minutes courtesy of a 1-0 defeat by Greece, which in turn sent the Greeks through. In the other game, the Czech Republic beat Poland 1-0, meaning the Czechs are into the quarters and the co-hosts crash out, still without a Euros final win to their name. And, for the second day running, one of the stadiums was wetter than otter's pocket.

"Wayne Rooney has to start for England on Tuesday. I understand the point a bit regarding his temperament but he is our best player. If we want to win the tournament he has to be playing.

"When the camera has panned on him during these last two games you can see he has been desperate to play. With the two-game ban he is keen to get out there and that can only be good for England."

"It was a really tight half. I think we predicted that before it started. The Netherlands have sat back and as soon as England have got forward they have doubled up and made it hard for them.

"We seem to be a bit nervous and I think it is all that must-win pressure. We need to relax, let our confidence show and start playing."

England boss Roy Hodgson is certainly glad to have Rooney back. "It is a lift because he is one of our important players. A quality player. A player also with a lot of experience, not least of all tournament experience," said Roy. "To come here and play the first two games without him is not something we have chosen but luckily we have got through those games and hopefully now he will be coming back at the right time to help us in the competition."

Hodgson also hints that he will pair in him attack with club-mate Danny Welbeck, although he has also warned against being too expectant of the 21-year-old, despite his fine flicked finish against Sweden.

It's almost as if Roy doesn't get the English at all. Expectation is what we do... right up until they fail and then we do everything in our power to destroy them.

While we're discussing England, Roy Hodgson will of course be welcoming striker Wayne Rooney back into the side after his two-game suspension. Rooney has insisted he has no problems with his attitude or temperament ahead of the potentially hostile Euro 2012 atmosphere against Ukraine on Tuesday.

"I'm happy and ready to play. I've been looking forward to it and now I'm available to play I'm excited."

It is a good job Rooney is back because judging by the amount he fidgeted in his seat during the Sweden game, he does not make a good viewer. I'd hate to be sat behind him in the cinema. Especially duirng a film that'll get him all excited. Like Top Cat.

As for Ukraine, their talismanic striker Andriy Shevchenko is rated a doubt to face England in Tuesday's crunch clash. The former Chelsea player was ruled out of his side's penultimate training session before the match in Donetsk because of a knee problem.

A Ukraine football association spokesman said: "Andriy suffered a kick to his knee during the second half against Sweden and then another kick in the same area against France.

"He is unable to train today and I would say he is doubtful for Tuesday.

"He has seen the doctor and is now having treatment. We hope he can still take part but I repeat, he is doubtful."

I've got some injury-related team news to bring you regarding England's decisive Group D clash with co-hosts Ukraine on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it is bad news for both sides.

England's saviour against Sweden, Theo Walcott, has left the training field as a precaution over a potentially injured hamstring. "Unfortunately, he had a slight setback in training today so that's the major concern for him. He felt the hamstring that of course kept him out for so long at the end of last season and we were slightly concerned when he came to us.

"It was a precaution to take him from the field because he felt a slight tightness there so really whether he is a real contender for a starting position will depend on what the medical people can tell me."

Are Germany living up to the hype? What has gone wrong for the Dutch? Is there more to come from Portugal? Have the Danish exceeded expectation? And who will go through? The answers to all these questions can be found in a piece from BBC Sport's Chris Bevan, who has been chatting to both Chris Waddle and Jan Molby.

I tell you what, that Rocky fella is one hell of a goalkeeper. Although Pele has just made him look a bit of a mug.

"There is a lot at stake in games like this at international level. No one wants to make a mistake, no one wants to be the one that concedes a goal. The Dutch really don't have anything to lose and if they get the three points they are well on their way to avoiding the play-offs."

So, as you can see, while it may look dire for the Dutch, their elimination is far from cut and dry. Is it really beyond the realms of possibility for them to beat Portugal by two goals or more and Germany beat Denmark?

Meanwhile, over on ITV4 (which is showing Escape to Victory), Pele has just given Michael Caine a lesson in tactics. Apparently, he's a big man and he's out of shape, but for Pele this is a full-time job.

I'll do this team by team...

Germany - will qualify with a win or a draw. They will also go through with a 3-2 defeat, or a higher-scoring one-goal loss. They're out if Portugal beat the Netherlands, but through if the Portuguese do not claim three points.

Denmark - a win sees them qualify. A draw will only be enough if Netherlands beat Portugal. Lose, and they're out.

Netherlands - only a win will do, and even that might not be enough. They have to win by more than one goal and hope Germany beat Denmark.

Portugal (ie. the complicated one) - a win secures qualification unless Denmark beat Germany 3-2, or by a higher-scoring one-goal margin. They'll go through with a draw if Denmark do not beat Germany. A one-goal defeat would still see them through if Germany beat Denmark, but if it is by any more they are out.

Permutations... done.

The Netherlands are, of course, not the only team playing today. There are three other sides involved, as is the nature in a four-team group. The beauty of the setup for tonight is that any two of the four can go through, meaning any two can also get sent home.

I need to psych myself up for this next bit because I'm about to try and tell you what the permutations are for tonight's group of death. Right, here we go...

So, basically, the Dutch women can give a pointer to their male equivalents today. Lord knows the Netherlands men need some real inspiration. They are staring into the abyss. What they need now is some words of wisdom from a four-time Champions League winning Dutch midfielder with over 80 international caps to his name. Luckily, we know just the man...

Before we charge head first into all these men's European Championship shenanigans, there's some action from the women's equivalent taking place today in the shape of a qualifier between England and the Netherlands. Head coach Hope Powell has admitted her team "need three points" if they want to keep hopes of automatic qualification from Group 6 alive and do away with a dreaded two-legged play-off in October. And for those with their Olympic hats on, remember this is a good opportunity to watch a number of potential Olympians ahead of Powell naming the London 2012 women's squad on Tuesday, 26 June. Kick-off is a couple of minutes away and you can watch all the action over on BBC Two.

So, with just over two and a half hours to go until kick-off I'd like to hear from you with your thoughts and theories as we slowly build to fever pitch. How do you see the group of death ending? Will tonight be fatal for the Dutch or are we in for another massive shock to the Euros system? After all, Euro 2012 is the sporting event everyone is thinking about. Even, possibly, David Nalbandian, who forgot he was playing in the final at Queen's earlier and almost volleyed a line-judge into the stands. You can tweet us using the hashtag #bbcfootball or text us on 81111 (UK). Please put FOOTBALL and your name on the texts.

The Netherlands are on life support at the moment. Two defeats from their opening two games have left many people's tip for the tournament propping up Group B and teetering on the brink of elimination.

Only a win over Portugal will do for Bert van Marwijk's side and even then that might not be enough. But then, such is the madness of this group that there remains a decent chance of the Dutch qualifying, while Germany, who have won their first two games, could still go out.

Confused? Just you wait until I get stuck into the permutations.

It is best just to think of it like this: whatever happens, today is going to contain more drama than a fire at Rada.

You can't take you eyes off Euro 2012 for a second. Just when you think you've got it sussed, it throws a gigantic Greek and Czech-flavoured curveball right in your bamboozled face.

Last night, the tournament suffered its biggest casualty so far, with Russia surprisingly exiting stage left, followed by winless co-hosts Poland, both of whom join the Republic of Ireland and Sweden in the Euros outbox.

Today, though, could knock such eliminations out of the park. It is group of death time again, and two more teams are about to see their challenge expire.