Maybe not the best Photoshopping I’ve ever seen …

TV Schedule

Just so you know, I’m probably not doing these highlight stories EVERY day. But i’ll try. Damnit, I’ll try. Anyway, a much duller couple matches today in the so-called Group of Death. But on the bright side, there was a big upset, with my boys in red, the Danes, knocking off the Netherlands.

Power Rankings

1. Russia (1-0-0, 3 pts). Up next: Poland, June 12

2. Denmark (1-0-0, 3 pts). Defeated Netherlands 1-0. No one expects Denmark to keep their lofty spot in the rankings, but they were excellent defensively, well-organized, and looked the more dangerous team despite being outshot 28-8. Up next: Portugal, June 13

3. Germany (1-0-0, 3 pts). Defeated Portugal 1-0. The Germans didn’t play up to their usual high standards in the opener, but three points will have them well on their way toward the second round. They need a bit more urgency, though. Up next: Netherlands, June 13

4. Greece (0-1-0, 1 pt). Up next: Czech Republic, June 12

5. Poland (0-1-0, 1 pt). Up next: Russia

6. Portugal (0-0-1, 0 pts). Lost 1-0 to Germany. Portugal defended well and moved the ball well, but seems to be at a loss how to attack. Ronaldo’s insistence in staying out wide and rarely being involved in the play doesn’t help. Up next: Denmark

7. Netherlands (0-0-1, 0 pts). Lost 1-0 to Denmark. Lost of questions for the Dutch after getting bullied by what was considered the weakest team in the group. Should Klaas Jan Huntelaar start instead of Robin Van Persie? Is Arjen Robben a bad luck charm? They need to figure the answers out, and soon. Up next: Germany

4. Czech Republic (0-0-1, 0 pt). Looked good for, oh, 10 minutes or so against Russia, then were crushed. Can they win a game? Up next: Greece

Player of the Day: Michael Krohn, Dehli, Denmark. The pint-sized winger from Brondby scored the lone goal in the Danes’ upset win, and ran around making a nuisance of himself for the rest of the match.

Disappointment of the day: The favorites. Neither Netherlands nor Germany, who along with Spain are the favorites to win the tournament, played well in their first matches. But at least the Germans won.

Goal of the day: Michael Krohn-Dehli, Denmark

Player of the Tourney So Far Rankings

1. Alan Dzagoev, Russia
2. Michael Krohn-Dehli, Denmark
3. Robert Lewandowski, Poland
4. Andrei Arshavin, Russia
5. Mats Hummels, Germany