The Underdogs to Watch in Euro 2024

Euro 2024 is just around the corner, and the excitement is building up as fans eagerly await to see their favorite teams battle it out on the grand stage in Germany. While big names like France, Spain, and Italy dominate the headlines, there’s always room for a Cinderella story. This year’s tournament promises to feature several underdog teams that could turn heads and defy the Euro sportsbook odds. Let’s put the spotlight on these intriguing contenders.

Georgia: The Dark Horse

Georgia’s journey to Euro 2024 has been nothing short of a fairy tale. They clinched their spot in the finals after an electrifying playoff win against Greece. For a nation making its debut in the tournament, simply qualifying was a historic achievement.

• Key Tactics: Georgia’s strength lies in its ability to strike fear into stronger opponents with quick transitions. They attempted 336 dribbles during qualifying, a testament to their technical ability.
• Possession Play: Georgia averaged just 43.69% possession, preferring to absorb pressure and capitalize on counter-attacks. With a post-shot xG from counter-attacks of 2.07, they’re second only to Portugal.
• Star Player: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the one to watch. The Napoli star led the team with four goals and topped the dribbling attempts (104) and attacking duels won (76). His performance will be pivotal in a tough group featuring Turkey, Portugal, and the Czech Republic.

Georgia’s Key Stats

Slovenia: The Giant Slayers

Slovenia may not be packed with star power, but they are an organized and resilient team. They finished their qualifying campaign level on points with group winners Denmark, which speaks volumes about their capability to surprise.

• Direct Approach: Slovenia ranks fourth in long passes completed (292), illustrating their direct playing style that can catch teams off guard.
• Main Man: Benjamin Šeško, a promising 20-year-old, scored five times in qualifying. His blend of pace and power makes him a formidable threat up front.
• Defensive Backbone: Goalkeeper Jan Oblak is one of Europe’s best, and his shot-stopping ability will be vital in a group that includes England, Denmark, and Serbia.

Slovenia’s Key Stats

Romania: The Tactical Geniuses

Romania is set to make their sixth appearance at the Euros, riding on a wave of undefeated momentum from their qualifying campaign. This team is built on a rock-solid defense and tactical discipline.

• Defensive Wall: Romania conceded just five goals in 10 qualifying games. They lead in loose ball duels (182), showcasing their combative nature.
• Influential Figures: Radu Drăgușin was a force at the back with 157 ball recoveries. Alongside Andrei Burcă, they form a formidable defensive duo.
• Attacking Trio: Denis Alibec, Valentin Mihăilă, and Nicolae Stanciu each scored three goals in qualifying. Olimpiu Moruţan added creativity with four assists.

Romania’s Key Stats

Slovakia: The Defensive Stalwarts

Slovakia has qualified for their third consecutive Euros, finishing behind only Portugal in their group. Their disciplined approach and solid defense make them tough to break down.

• Defensive Record: With six clean sheets, only Portugal kept more during the qualifiers. This solid backline is their bedrock.
• Pressing Game: Slovakia attempted more pressing duels than any other team (473), indicating their high-intensity style.
• Key Players: Milan Škriniar is instrumental both defensively and in buildup play. Up front, Lukáš Haraslín and Róbert Bozeník add attacking flair.

Slovakia’s Key Stats

Albania: The Defensive Fortresses

Albania continues to impress with their progress, having qualified for their second European Championship. Known for their robust defense, they will enter the tournament with a fearless attitude.

• Defensive Strength: Albania conceded only four goals in qualifying. Their post-shot xG of 5.09 ranks them among Europe’s defensive elites.
• Defensive Pairing: Berat Djimsiti and Ardian Ismajli form a strong central defense partnership, critical for their low-block strategy.
• Challenges Ahead: While their defense is their strong suit, they lack a prolific goalscorer. Jasir Asani and Nedim Bajrami, who scored three goals each, will need to be in top form.

Albania’s Key Stats

Conclusion

The Euro 2024 tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle. The underdogs—Georgia, Slovenia, Romania, Slovakia, and Albania—are all gearing up to seize their moment in the spotlight. While they may face lower Euro sportsbook odds, their blend of tactical discipline, a robust defense, and key player performances could well script some of the most compelling stories of the tournament. So keep an eye out for these teams; they might just steal the show in Germany.