Euro 2024: The Dark Horses
Euro 2024 is nearly upon us and as we continue our build up to the highly-anticipated tournament we now turn our attention to possible dark-horses
Euro 2024 is nearly upon us and as we continue our build up to the highly-anticipated tournament we now turn our attention to possible dark-horses. Whether it’s Denmark or Greece winning in 1992 and 2004 respectively or Wales reaching the semi-finals in 2016, the European Championships often offer a real surprise package. Thanks to odds from our partners at bet365, here are just some of the nations that may spring a shock or two in Germany this summer.
Albania
Having been drawn in the ‘Group of Death’ alongside Group B rivals Spain, Croatia and Italy, Albania have been tipped by many ‘experts’ to exit Euro 2024 with three straight group stage defeats. However, Albania are a better side than many give them credit for and take on at least two nations in a real state of transition. The Group B minnows could prove real value at 10/3 to progress beyond the group stage.
Albania open their tournament against an injury-hit Italian side that possesses very little quality when compared to Azzurri sides of yesteryear. Italy were fortunate to finish ahead of Ukraine as they trailed well behind England in qualification whilst Albania topped their qualifying group ahead of Czech Republic and Poland.
Sokol Cikalleshi was a surprise omission from Sylvinho’s Albania squad and in-demand Chelsea forward Armando Broja will battle it out with the likes of Mirlind Daku and Rey Manaj to lead the line for Albania.
| Stage of Elimination | Odds |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 1/5 |
| Last-16 | 9/2 |
| Quarter-Final | 16/1 |
| Semi-Final | 50/1 |
| Runner-up | 200/1 |
| Winners | 500/1 |
Belgium
Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ failed to deliver in a series of tournaments over the past decade or so and with the likes of Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Dries Mertens and Toby Alderweireld all retired, there will very much be a changing of the guard this summer. Romelu Lukaku is amongst the bookies’ favourites to win the Golden Boot having netted a record-breaking 14 goals in qualification whilst captain Kevin de Bruyne heads to Germany relatively fresh having played just 26 times in all competitions for Manchester City this season.
Euro 2024 could prove a real breakthrough tournament for de Bruyne’s Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku whilst the likes of Johan Bakayoko and Charles De Ketelaere have impressed throughout the current campaign for PSV Eindhoven and Atalanta respectively.
Belgium have been drawn in a modest looking Group E alongside Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine whilst the group winners will take on one of the best-placed third place teams in the first knockout stage.
| Stage of Elimination | Odds |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 10/1 |
| Last-16 | 7/4 |
| Quarter-Final | 2/1 |
| Semi-Final | 4/1 |
| Runner-up | 8/1 |
| Winners | 16/1 |
Turkey
Turkey topped their qualification group ahead of 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia and under new head coach Vincenzo Montella they could finally realise the potential that saw them considered tournament dark horses before bombing out at the group stage in Euro 2020. Real Madrid’s Arda Guler is the pinup boy for Turkey’s new generation but he’s just one of a number of young talents set to star for The Crescent-Stars this summer. Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz could lead the line for Turkey whilst Orkun Kokcu could prove a perfect foil for captain Hakan Calhanoglu in the middle of the park.
Turkey have been drawn in Group F alongside Georgia, Portugal and Czech Republic and with a potential round of 16 date with France awaiting the group runner-up, their showdown with Portugal in Dortmund could prove crucial.
| Stage of Elimination | Odds |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 5/2 |
| Last-16 | 4/5 |
| Quarter-Final | 9/2 |
| Semi-Final | 12/1 |
| Runner-up | 28/1 |
| Winners | 50/1 |
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