Euro 2024's Cinderella Teams: Who Will Shock the Giants?
Unveiling the Dark Horse Teams of Euro 2024: The Unexpected Contenders
Euro 2024 is just around the corner, and football fans across Europe are eagerly anticipating the tournament to see which teams will rise to the occasion and potentially surprise everyone. While powerhouses like France, Germany, and Spain are always among the favorites, there are often dark horse teams that emerge unexpectedly and capture the hearts of fans with their underdog performances.
In football, a dark horse team refers to a squad that is not considered a favorite but has the potential to exceed expectations and make a deep run in the tournament. These teams often have a mix of talented players, tactical prowess, and a fighting spirit that allows them to compete with more established footballing nations.
Football has a long history of underdog teams defying the odds and making deep runs in major tournaments. From Greece winning Euro 2004 to Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League title in 2016, these stories of unexpected triumphs are what make the sport so captivating for fans around the globe.
In international competitions like Euro 2024, where national pride is at stake, smaller nations often find themselves underestimated by their more illustrious opponents. However, it is precisely this underestimation that can fuel their determination to prove their worth on the grand stage and leave a lasting impact on the tournament.
As we look ahead to Euro 2024, several teams stand out as potential dark horses that could cause upsets and surprise everyone with their performances. Let’s take a closer look at some of these under-the-radar contenders:
Turkey: The Rising Force in Euro 2024
FIFA World Ranking:- 51st
How they qualified: They Finished first in their qualifying group
Turkey should be watched out for as underdogs in Euro 2024 due to several reasons that make them a formidable team to compete against. Despite not being considered one of the traditional powerhouses in European football, Turkey has been steadily improving and making their mark on the international stage.
One of the main reasons why Turkey should be taken seriously in Euro 2024 is their recent performances in international competitions. The Turkish national team has shown significant progress in recent years, with strong showings in tournaments such as the UEFA Nations League and the European Championships. This upward trajectory indicates that Turkey is a team on the rise and capable of causing upsets against more established teams.
Additionally, Turkey boasts a talented squad with a good mix of experienced players and promising young talents.
The current lineup for Euro 2024.
Here's a look at Turkey's expected line-up and key players for the upcoming European Championship:
Goalkeeper:
Uğurcan Çakır: The Trabzonspor goalkeeper has established himself as the undisputed number one for Turkey. His commanding presence, excellent shot-stopping abilities, and leadership qualities make him a crucial player in the team.
Defense:
Çağlar Söyüncü: The Leicester City center-back is a towering figure known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks.
Merih Demiral: The Atalanta defender is another strong and experienced center-back. He is a solid tackler and good on the ball, offering both defensive reliability and offensive potential.
Umut Meraş: The Besiktas left-back is an attacking wing-back with good crossing ability and a dangerous shot from distance.
Zeki Çelik; The Lille right-back is a reliable defender who is also comfortable bombing forward and providing width to the team.
Midfield:
Hakan Çalhanoğlu: The Inter Milan attacking midfielder is Turkey's creative linchpin. He possesses excellent dribbling skills, passing range, and a knack for scoring goals.
Orkun Kökçü: The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder is a rising star in Turkish football. He is a versatile playmaker with good vision and ability to control the tempo of the game.
Mahmut Tekdemir: The Beşiktaş defensive midfielder is a tireless worker who provides the team with balance and protection for the backline.
Forwards:
Cengiz Ünder; The Rennes winger is a pacey and skillful attacker who can cause problems for opposing defenders with his dribbling and direct running.
Burak Yılmaz: The Lille striker is a veteran goalscorer who has over 100 caps for Turkey. He is a clinical finisher and a threat in the air.
Serdar Dursun: The Fenerbahce forward is a physical and powerful striker who is good at holding the ball up and creating chances for teammates.
Emerging Talents:
In addition to the key players listed above, Turkey has a few promising young talents who could make an impact at Euro 2024:
Arda Güler: The Fenerbahce winger is a highly-rated prospect who has impressed with his speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability.
Enes Ünal: The Getafe forward is a physical presence in the box who has shown a knack for finding the back of the net.
Doğan Erdoğan; The Denizlispor left-back is a promising youngster who has caught the eye with his defensive capabilities and attacking threat.
Turkey will face stiff competition in Euro 2024, but they have a talented squad with a good mix of experience and youth. With the right preparation and support, the Turkish national team could make a deep run in the tournament and surprise their opponents.
FIFA World Ranking: 44th
How they qualified: Finished second in their qualifying group behind Germany
Hungary will be making their fifth appearance at the UEFA European Championship when they compete in Euro 2024. The Euro 2024 draw was held in October 2022 and placed Hungary in Group F alongside Germany, Portugal, and England. The tournament will be hosted by Germany from June 14th to July 14th, 2024.
Hungary has a talented squad with a mix of experienced players and exciting young prospects. The team is led by captain Adam Szalai, who plays for FC Basel in Switzerland. Other key players include goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi of RB Leipzig, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Salzburg, and forward Roland Sallai of Freiburg.
Here's a look at Hungary's expected line-up and key players for the upcoming European Championship:
Goalkeepers
Peter Gulacsi (RB Leipzig)
Denzs Dibusz (Ferencvaros)
Adam Bogdan (Ferencvaros)
Defenders
Willi Orban (RB Leipzig)
Attila Szalai (Chelsea)
Endre Botka (Ferencvaros)
Bendeguz Bolla (Fehervar)
Loic Nego (Fehervar)
Midfielders
Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Salzburg)
Zsolt Kalmar (Ferencvaros)
Andras Schafer (Union Berlin)
Laszlo Kleinheisler (Honved)
Forwards
Adam Szalai (FC Basel)
Roland Sallai (Freiburg)
Daniel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union)
Martin Adam (Fehervar)
Key Players
Dominik Szoboszlai: The 22-year-old midfielder is one of Hungary's most promising young players. He has already scored 10 goals for his country in 22 appearances. Szoboszlai is a creative playmaker with a good eye for goal.
Adam Szalai: The 35-year-old striker is Hungary's all-time leading goalscorer with 27 goals. He is a physical presence upfront and provides leadership to the team.
Roland Sallai: The 26-year-old forward is a dangerous winger with pace and skill. He has scored 18 goals for Hungary in 29 appearances.
Hungary's Chances at Euro 2024
Hungary will be underdogs in Group F, but they have the potential to cause an upset. The team has a good mix of experience and youth, and they are capable of playing attractive football. If Hungary can get off to a good start in the group stage, they could qualify for the knockout rounds.
Predicted Starting Lineup
* GK: Peter Gulacsi
* RB: Willi Orban
* CB: Attila Szalai
* CB: Endre Botka
* LB: Bendeguz Bolla
* CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
* CM: Zsolt Kalmar
* RM: Andras Schafer
* LM: Laszlo Kleinheisler
* ST: Adam Szalai
* ST: Roland Sallai
FIFA World Ranking: 16th
How they qualified: They Finished first in their qualifying group
Switzerland is another team that has been consistently performing well in recent years. They reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 and finished second in their Nations League group in 2022. The team has a solid all-round squad, led by experienced players such as Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Yann Sommer. Switzerland's organization and teamwork could make them a difficult team to break down.
Here's a look at Switzerland's expected line-up and key players for the upcoming European Championship:
Goalkeepers
Yann Sommer: The veteran goalkeeper has been a cornerstone of Switzerland's defense for over a decade. With nearly 70 international caps, Sommer exudes composure and shot-stopping brilliance.
Jonas Omlin: Omlin has emerged as a promising understudy to Sommer. His agility and reflexes make him a reliable option between the sticks.
Defenders
Manuel Akanji: A versatile and commanding presence at the heart of the defense. Akanji's pace, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game make him a force to be reckoned with.
Nico Elvedi: Elvedi is another top-class center-back who brings athleticism, strength, and a high level of concentration.
Ricardo Rodriguez: The experienced left-back provides balance and attacking intent. His pinpoint crosses and powerful shots are always a threat to opposition defenses.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka: The Arsenal captain is the linchpin of the Swiss midfield. Xhaka's passing range, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities make him indispensable.
Xherdan Shaqiri: The enigmatic playmaker is still a key component for Switzerland. His vision, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses can produce moments of magic.
Remo Freuler: A tireless worker who does the dirty work in midfield. Freuler's defensive contributions and ability to maintain possession are invaluable.
Strikers
Breel Embolo: A powerful and swift forward who loves to run at defenses. Embolo's dribbling skills, clinical finishing, and aerial threat make him a potent weapon upfront.
Haris Seferovic: The Besiktas striker is a target man who excels in hold-up play and aerial challenges.
Noah Okafor: The youngster is rising fast and has become an impactful attacking option. His speed, unpredictability, and goalscoring instinct make him a joy to watch.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Switzerland's strength lies in its defensive solidity and experienced players. They have rarely conceded many goals in major tournaments. However, their attack can sometimes lack consistency, particularly when key players are injured.
Expectations and Outlook
Switzerland has consistently performed well in recent years, reaching the last 16 of the last three major tournaments. With a solid lineup and experienced coaching staff led by Murat Yakin, they will be aiming to surpass their previous achievements. A quarterfinal appearance would be deemed a successful outcome, while a place in the semifinals is not out of the realm of possibility.
The Euro 2024 tournament is still a long way off, but Switzerland already looks well-prepared to make a statement. With their blend of experience, quality, and determination, they will be a dangerous contender in what promises to be an exciting competition.
FIFA World Ranking: 12th
How they qualified: Finished first in their qualifying group
Croatia is a team that has pedigree in international tournaments. They were runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reached the round of 16 at Euro 2020. The team still boasts several players from that golden generation, including Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Ante Rebic. Croatia's experience and quality could make them a dark horse at Euro 2024.
Here's a look at the potential lineup and key players of the Croatian squad:
Goalkeepers
* Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb)
* Ivo Grbić (Atlético Madrid)
* Lovre Kalinić (Aston Villa)
Livaković, the hero of Croatia's 2022 World Cup bronze medal, is expected to take the starting goalkeeper role. Grbić and Kalinić provide solid backup options.
Defenders
* Joško Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)
* Dejan Lovren (Zenit Saint Petersburg)
* Duje Caleta-Car (Southampton)
* Borna Sosa (Stuttgart)
* Josip Juranović (Celtic)
Gvardiol, one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe, is the key man at the back. Lovren, a veteran of many major tournaments, provides experience and stability. Sosa and Juranović offer attacking threat from the full-back positions.
Midfielders
* Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
* Mateo Kovačić (Chelsea)
* Marcelo Brozović (Inter Milan)
* Nikola Vlašić (Torino)
* Lovro Majer (Rennes)
Modrić, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, remains the heartbeat of the team. Kovačić and Brozović form a solid midfield foundation, while Vlašić and Majer provide creativity and goalscoring threat.
Forwards
* Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim)
* Ivan Perišić (Tottenham Hotspur)
* Ante Rebić (AC Milan)
* Bruno Petković (Dinamo Zagreb)
* Marko Livaja (AEK)
Kramarić is the main goal scorer, supported by the experienced Perišić and the versatile Rebić. Petković and Livaja offer options off the bench.
Key Players
Dominik Livaković: The goalkeeper was a standout performer at the World Cup and is crucial for Croatia's defensive solidity.
Joško Gvardiol: The young defender has been a revelation at Leipzig and is one of the most promising defenders in Europe.
Luka Modrić: The veteran midfielder is the captain and inspiration of the team. His influence on and off the pitch is immeasurable.
Mateo Kovačić: A dynamic midfielder who adds energy and creativity to the engine room.
Ivan Perišić: The experienced winger provides attacking threat and a goal-scoring instinct.
Andrej Kramarić: The main striker, Kramarić is a consistent scorer for club and country.
Other Notable Players:
* Kristijan Jakic (Eintracht Frankfurt)
* Mario Pašalić (Atalanta)
* Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg)
* Robert Škov (Hoffenheim)
Croatia has a balanced and talented squad with a mix of experience and youth. They will be aiming to continue their success from the World Cup and make a deep run at Euro 2024.
FIFA World Ranking: 24th
How they qualified: They won their qualifying play-off match
Ukraine is a team that has shown great resilience and determination in recent years. They qualified for Euro 2024 despite the ongoing war in their country. The team is led by the experienced goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov and the talented midfielder Ruslan Malinovsky. Ukraine's spirit and fighting spirit could make them a surprise package at the tournament.
Ukraine will be making its third appearance at a European Championship in 2024, having reached the quarter-finals in both 2016 and 2021. The team will be hoping to build on its recent success and make a strong run in the tournament.
Here is a look at Ukraine's likely line-up and key players for Euro 2024:
Goalkeeper:
Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid)
Lunin is one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe and is expected to be Ukraine's number one at Euro 2024. He has already made several appearances for Real Madrid and has impressed with his shot-stopping ability and distribution.
Defense:
* Oleksandr Karavaev (Dynamo Kyiv)
* Vitaliy Mykolenko (Everton)
* Illya Zabarnyi (Dynamo Kyiv)
* Mykola Matviyenko (Shakhtar Donetsk)
* Taras Kacharaba (Slavia Prague)
Ukraine has a strong defense, with several players who play at a high level for their clubs. Karavaev and Mykolenko are both experienced full-backs, while Zabarnyi and Matviyenko are two of the best young center-backs in Europe. Kacharaba is a versatile defender who can play at both center-back and left-back.
Midfield:
* Ruslan Malinovskyi (Atalanta)
* Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea)
* Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
* Serhiy Sydorchuk (Dynamo Kyiv)
* Taras Stepanenko (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Ukraine's midfield is full of creativity and energy. Malinovskyi and Mudryk are both dangerous attacking midfielders, while Zinchenko is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. Sydorchuk and Stepanenko are two experienced defensive midfielders who provide balance to the team.
Attack:
* Viktor Tsygankov (Girona)
* Artem Dovbyk (Dnipro-1)
* Danylo Sikan (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Tsygankov is Ukraine's most dangerous forward and is expected to lead the line at Euro 2024. He is a quick and skillful winger who can score goals and create chances for others. Dovbyk and Sikan are two other promising young forwards who could provide support to Tsygankov.
Key Players:
Andriy Yarmolenko (Al Ain)
Yarmolenko is Ukraine's most experienced player and is still a key part of the team. He is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or up front.
Roman Yaremchuk (Club Brugge)
Yaremchuk is a powerful striker who has scored some important goals for Ukraine in recent years. He is a good target man and is also good at creating chances for others.
Manager:
Oleksandr Petrakov
Petrakov has been in charge of Ukraine since 2021 and has led the team to success at the 2022 European Under-19 Championship. He is a former Ukrainian international and is known for his attacking style of play.
Ukraine will be hoping to make a strong run at Euro 2024 and will be a tough team to beat. The team has a good balance of experience and youth, and will.
What Makes These Teams Underdogs?
There are several factors that make these teams underdogs at Euro 2024:
* FIFA World Ranking: All five teams are ranked outside the top 10 in the FIFA World Ranking, indicating that they are not considered among the elite teams.
* Lack of Recent Success: None of these teams have won a major international trophy in recent years. This lack of pedigree can count against them in high-pressure situations.
* Lack of Star Power: While these teams have some talented players, they do not have the same level of star power as the top-ranked teams. This can make it difficult to consistently perform at the highest level.
Can They Make a Surprise Impact?
While the underdogs face an uphill battle at Euro 2024, it is not impossible for them to make a surprise impact. History is full of examples of underdogs who have upset the odds and achieved success. If these teams can play as a cohesive unit and perform at their best, they could challenge the established order and make a run deep into the tournament.
Finally, the Euro 2024 tournament is set to be an exciting and competitive event. While there are clear favorites, there are also several underdogs who have the potential to surprise. Teams such as Hungary, Switzerland, Croatia, Turkey, and Ukraine will be looking to make their mark on the tournament and prove that they belong among the elite of European football.
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