Heitinga Suffers Danish Defeat

Blues defender unable to prevent Euro 2012 loss for Netherlands.

John Heitinga's Netherlands side suffered a shock defeat in their opening game at Euro 2012.

The Oranje were hotly-tipped for victory over Denmark and billed as one of the tournament favourites.

Yet Michael Krohn-Dehli's cool finish midway through the first half was enough to give the Danes a 1-0 win.

Heitinga lined up in the centre of the Dutch defence with Ron Vlar - replacement for the injured Joris Mathijsen - whilst former Blue Lars Jacobsen started for the opposition.

The Dutch dominated proceedings for much of the game, with former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben hitting the woodwork and Arsenal hitman Robin Van Persie coming close.

But on 22 minutes Krohn-Dehli weaved in the box, tricking Heitinga into diving to block a shot that never came, before adjusting and firing low through the legs of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Despite pouring forward and producing chance after chance, Heitinga and his team-mates were unable to find the net.

Jacobsen survived a late penalty appeal when the ball appeared to handle his arm in the box.