Czech Republic have won group A, and will take on Portugal in the first quarterfinal on Thursday. Germany have won the group of death in dominant fashion, and will face Greece on Friday.
While there are many talking points between these two groups (perfect Germany, Greece prevailing, Russia ousted, etc.), the real story is the fall from grace of the Netherlands. The Dutch were playing in extra-time in the World Cup Final just two years ago. Now they leave Euro 2012 with 0 points. While the Dutch struggled all over the pitch in this tournament, the most glaring explanation for their letdown is the defense.
The team defense of the Netherlands was tested against some of the world's greatest national teams, and it was repeatedly embarrassing. For all of the offensive firepower the Dutch have, the defense seems a barren wasteland at the moment. Center-backs John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, and Ron Vlaar were ripped apart in all three group matches. Eighteen year old left back, Jetro Willems, was continually caught out of position and has yet to look comfortable playing at this level. And Gregory van der Viel, supposedly one of the world's rising right backs, was tormented by Cristiano Ronaldo for the entire match today.
It is a team game, and a team's back line is equally vital to a side's success as the goalscorers. Denmark, Portugal, and Germany are all more complete teams than the Dutch at this point in time. Oh what a difference two years can make.
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