More of the same needed for Denmark

Denmark’s entry into Euro 2012 was a startling display of teamwork over individual responsibility. By shocking the Bet Euro 2012 community and beating the Netherlands 1-0, the Danes now have a realistic chance of escaping the ‘Group of Death’ and head to Lviv for their clash with the Portuguese no doubt in optimistic mood.

The Danes weren’t intimidated by Holland’s prestigious line-up, happy to play progressive football from the back. William Kvist and Niki Zimling have done this for their respective club sides for years, although dictating the middle of the park so successfully against Portugal’s Miguel Veloso and Raul Meireles may be a problem.

While the team effort was clear, brilliant individual performances stood out within the ranks. Left-back Simon Poulsen was magnificent, preventing Arjen Robben from his usual ‘cut inside and fire’ routine. Going forward the 27-year-old offered great promise, bombing past Michael Krohn-Dehli to challenge a weak Dutch defence.

This attacking confidence was found throughout a back four comfortable with the ball. However, there are still problems for Morten Olsen to address. Nicklas Bendtner looked utterly disinterested with and without the ball.

In a side that relies so much on the counter attack, his inability to run off the shoulder of defenders means play rarely moved forward against a high Dutch line. And it’s unlikely that the performance narrowed his Betfair Euro 2102 top goalscorer odds.

Meanwhile young starlet Christian Eriksen was never given freedom to show off his talents. He will face a similarly robust test against Portugal in Lviv, and will need wingers Dennis Rommedahl and Krohn-Dehli to offer him better supply.

Yet the stand-out man was Krohn-Dehli, who sold three orange shirts a dummy before scoring the winning goal. The Brøndby midfielder was as calm in his defensive duties as he was with the ball, and his clinical finish sets a standard the Danes must upkeep on Wednesday.

Mata – Spain won’t be fatigued

Spain are undoubtedly a leading team heading to Euro 2012 but there have are those who have questioned whether many of their stars will suffer from fatigue given their long and grueling domestic campaigns.

There are a number of players in the Spain squad who have endured jam-packed and demanding seasons, but there is no questions regarding their talents as the squad boasts 40 winners medals from their respective clubs over the season just gone.

It shows the level the reigning world and European champions are competing at but that success could come at a cost, and without a break from football it could mean the Spanish players struggle come Euro 2012.

One man who doubts this is Chelsea star Juan Mata, who endured a herculean effort with the Blues over the closing months of their campaign, and he could be the one chosen to fill the gap left by David Villa.

He claims there are goal scorers throughout the squad who can compensate for the loss of Barca star Villa, but he is confident Spain are not going to be affected by their players having long and successful seasons.

The 25-year-old said: "It's been a really demanding season for many of us, with loads of minutes in a variety of different competitions.

"But we are all prepared to hit our maximum form. The simple fact is that pride and hunger to win are a greater force than physical tiredness. That won't be our problem."

Mata pin-pinpointed Fernando Torres Álvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente as those capable of stepping up and filling Villa’s boots when it comes to scoring goals, in particularly highlighting his Chelsea team-mate Torres as a man who will be a “vital component” for Spain at Euro 2012.

Need some help with your Euro 2012 bets? Then why not read the latest Harry Redknapp Euro Tips blog? Betfair have signed up the Spurs manager for this summer’s festival of football so make sure you log-on now for the latest Harry Redknapp Tips ahead of England’s first game against France on Monday.

Zabaleta – Argentineans happy at City

Pablo Zabaleta has insisted he and his Argentine comrades Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez are happy to continue playing for Manchester City and in no rush to leave. The versatile defender has been quick to make clear the fact that all three are settled and happy in Manchester despite rumours Aguero and Tevez could be set to leave the club this summer.

Aguero starred in his debut season in the Barclays Premier League, grabbing 23 goals, including the critical winning goal against QPR to secure City the league title in thrilling fashion.

Real Madrid have been linked with the attacker, however, with plenty of activity in betting markets backing such a move.

City will be loath to lose their top scorer and should be able to fend off any interest.

Tevez’ career at City looked to be all but over six months ago, only for the striker to return to Manchester and play a crucial role in the club clinching the title ahead of rivals United. Some still believe the forward will still be looking to leave the club this summer, although, Zabaletta has claimed neither Tevez nor Aguero are looking to leave the Premier League champions anytime soon.

"The three of us spend a lot of time together, Sergio lives five minutes away.”

"It's great for Carlos, for Sergio, for me. We play together for the national team and I played with them in the youth teams.”

"The opportunity we have in England is making a big impact in our lives. The culture is different, the football is different, we are really enjoying it here. Manchester is one of the best places in the UK,” Zabaletta insisted.