EUROS 2024 STATS: Who Are The Dark Horses?

The 2024 European championships kick off this Friday when hosts Germany play Scotland at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena and we’ll be here throughout the tournament with stats and data on the teams and players. Our first article looked at the tournament’s favorites and some reasons why they are favoured. Our second article looks at some tournament dark horses, and why you should watch out for them. While they are not among the five hotly tipped sides (England, France, Germany, Spain & Portugal), they could spring a surprise like Greece in 2004. Let’s dig in.

Belgium

Euro debut: 1972
Qualifications: 7 
Best finish: Silver medallists in 1980
Current World Ranking: 4th (3rd in Europe)
Key players: Kevin de Bruyne, Romelo Lukaku, Jeremy Doku

With a 90% chance of reaching the Last 16, it is widely expected that Belgium will progress from their group. Ranked second in Europe coming into the tournament, the other members of the group are ranked 22 (Ukraine), 46 (Romania) and 48 (Slovakia). Major tournaments have eluded Belgium in the past, but they now have one of their greatest exports probably playing Kevin De Bruyne’s last Euros. He is ably supported by other starring cast who comprise somewhat of a golden generation for Belgium, and this tournament could be their last chance to fulfill their much-talked-about potential. They have been given just a 5% chance of winning the tournament, but that could easily double if one of the other top-ranked sides gets knocked out. In Romelu Lukaku, they also have a player who shines for his country like few others, and if they follow up on their excellent qualifying form, they could be the dark horse many are overlooking.

You can bet on Belgium to win the tournament at 3.75/1 on www.bet.co.za

Netherlands

Euro debut: 1976
Qualifications: 10
Best finish: Champions (1988)
Current World Ranking: 7th (5th in Europe)
Key players: Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, Xavi Simmons

The Netherlands find themselves in a tricky group with France & Poland. They have won the Euros only once before, but this could intrigue the superstitious. That tournament was also hosted in Germany (the last time they were sole hosts) and current coach Ronal Koeman was a player in that side. They have only been given a 5% chance of victory at this tournament, but they are led by one of the best defenders in the world Virgil van Dijk. With Nathan Ake and Micky van de Vern, even the French may find the going tough against such a solid defence. The old saying is that “defences win you tournaments”, and should their attackers chip in with crucial goals, the Dutch could be a team poised for tournament performances. 

You can bet on The Netherlands to win the tournament at 4/1 on www.bet.co.za 

Hungary

Euro debut: 1964
Qualifications: 4
Best finish: 3rd place (1964)
Current World Ranking: 26th (14th in Europe)
Key players: Domink Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez, Willi Orban

A less fancied name, Hungary have form going for them coming into the tournament. They were unbeaten in their qualifying campaign, and should they continue in that vein of form, many teams will struggle against them. Key players like Dominik Szoboszlai are available for this tournament (he missed the last Euros and they were in a Group of Death), and that will be a massive boost for the side. They are given a 60% chance to progress from the group, but the land that produced the legendary Ferenc Puskas have other reasons to believe. Wins over England and Germany in recent years point to a team built for the big occasions, so don’t be surprised if they pull off another victory over Germany here. They are only given a 1% chance of winning the tournament, so many results will have to go their way, but we’ve seen that happen in the Euros before.

You can bet on Hungary to win the tournament at 10/1 on www.bet.co.za

*NB: All stats from Opta Analyst