Denmark claimed the first upset of Euro 2012 by overcoming a badly misfiring Netherlands side 1-0 in their opening Group B match at the Metalist Stadium. (All AFP and AP Images)

Forward Michael Krohn-Dehli claimed the game's only goal mid-way through the first half, as Denmark avenged their opening-game loss at the 2010 World Cup and recorded a first win over the Dutch since 1967.

The defeat compromises the Netherlands' chances of progressing to the knockout phase, with games against Germany and Portugal still to come in the competition's most unforgiving group.

"We were really determined and I thought that we played even better than our opponents, but you have to score that goal," rued Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk.

There was shock in store for the Dutch supporters.

There was jubilation for Danish fans who will now support their team with renewed belief that they can emulate their shock Euro triumph from 1992.

At the age of 18 years and 71 days, Jetro Willems became the youngest ever player to grace a European Championship when he was selected in Netherlands' starting line-up.

Wesley Sneijder set up van Persie for what looked certain to be the equaliser shortly before the interval, but for once the Arsenal man's touch let him down and his shot was blocked by the advancing Andersen.

Van Marwijk introduced Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (L) and Rafael van der Vaart in the second half, and the Schalke striker almost made an immediate impact, collecting Sneijder's fine pass but was bravely denied by goalkeeper Stephan Andersen.

The Dutch created plenty of chances but lacked the finishing touch.

Known for their hard tackles and tendency to play a rough game, Netherlands, though, received just one yellow card in the match when Mark van Bommel was warned by the referee.