With Euro 2024 almost upon us, there is a chance for an outside nation to defy the odds and become champions.
While England has one of their best sides in years, and has a very good chance of avenging their defeat to Italy at Wembley in the previous tournament, the likes of France, Italy, and hosts Germany are also amongst the favorites to lift the trophy at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, but what about the outsiders?
Over the years, we have seen several fairytale runs throughout the Euros, from Denmark shocking everyone in the 1992 tournament, to Greece’s side of 2004 beating Portugal in their backyard.
In this article, we take a look at five dark horses heading into Germany this summer and assess their chances of defying Euro 2024 betting odds and going the distance.
1. Hungary
The FIFA World Rankings currently have Hungary in 25th position, but Marco Rossi’s men are one of the most in-form teams in international football, having won their qualifying group unbeaten, scoring 16 goals in the process.
Captained by Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary has an experienced squad that also includes European stalwarts like Willi Orban, Péter Gulácsi, and Ádám Lang. They face a tough group with Switzerland, Germany, and Scotland, but should have enough quality to progress beyond the knockout stages.
2. Netherlands
While the Netherlands, on paper, possesses some world-class players, this generation of Dutch talent lacks real tournament experience, having failed to qualify for the last Euros before losing to Argentina on penalties in the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup.
However, with Ronald Koeman stepping down at the end of the summer, and a mature squad that is spearheaded by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch have an outside shot of winning their first international trophy since 1988
3. Turkey
With just one defeat throughout their qualifying campaign, those looking for a good Euro 2024 betting offer backing Turkey will be an exciting watch. Although their last turnout at the Euros ended in disaster, failing to win a game, wins over Croatia and Germany in recent months have showcased the improvements this side has made under Vincenzo Montella, who replaced Stefan Kuntz last September.
4. Denmark
Every year, Denmark seems to be a top pick as an outsider, but given they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, narrowly losing late on to England, the Danes have a squad with the right blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
Indeed, the likes of Christian Eriksen and Kasper Schmeichel might be approaching the twilight of their international careers, but a new breed of talent has been ushered in that includes Jesper Lindstrøm and Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund, it could be an interesting time to watch Kasper Hjulmand’s side.
5. Ukraine
Ukraine may have finished third in their group for qualifying, but when they were placed alongside the two Euro 2020 finalists in England and Italy, their solid defense did well to concede just eight goals and ensure a third-place finish.
There is plenty of ability in the side, including Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin, who has stepped up in La Liga after an injury to Thibaut Courtois, as well as Viktor Tsyhankov, who managed to finish third in Spain’s top flight with Girona. Add in Premier League duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Vitaliy Mykolenko, and Serhiy Rebrov has a side that could pull off something special in a group with Romania, Slovakia, and Belgium.
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