The Euro 2020 Cup starts tomorrow, where 24 teams from Europe aim to prove who is the best team. The tournament is a month long and will showcase some of the world’s best players. There are several underrated teams that fans just are not talking enough about. These are teams that many are counting out but still have a chance to go far in the competition. While there are the expected clubs favored to win such as France, England, and the Netherlands, these teams are the ones who are obvious candidates to turn heads in the competition.
Here are three underrated teams to watch out for during Euro 2020, using odds from Bet365.com.
The Russian Federation
(Russia National Football Team)
First Game: Belgium, Sunday June 13
Krestovsky Stadium
St. Petersburg, Russia
First is the host of the 2018 World Cup, who played admirably throughout that contest. They gave eventual champion Croatia a run for their money, taking them to penalties and losing in the quarterfinals. Russia has a team with excellent ball control and chemistry. Notable players are attacking midfielder Aleksandr Golovin (Monaco F.C.), defensive midfielder Magomed Ozdoyev (Free Agent), and wide midfielder Denis Cheryshev (Valencia F.C.). The team must create chances to attack throughout the game with their clinical passing and ball control.
Russia does not have an easy entrance to qualify and is with Belgium (No. 1 worldwide in the FIFA rankings), Finland, and Denmark. All four teams have an opportunity to qualify through their table and should expect close matches. Russia has the possession and passing skills to keep up but lacks the overall elite star power other European clubs have. Golovin and striker/captain Artem Dzyuba must capitalize on their offensive chances and apply pressure to opposing defenses.
While their odds of winning the Euro Cup are slim, they are not going to make it easy for teams to beat them. The team is positioned 38th on the FIFA world ranking and considered a big underdog. They currently have great odds to qualify, but their odds outright to win are lower than the two next teams.
Euro Cup Outright Win: +6600
Group Win: +500
To Qualify: -225
Polska
(Polish National Football Team)
First Game: Slovakia, Monday June 14
Krestovsky Stadium
St. Petersburg, Russia
You may see my last name of ‘Podloski’ (no relation to Lukas) and think “he’s a homer”, but hear me out. Robert Lewandowski may be one of the most clinical strikers in the tournament. The other pieces on this squad are underrated. They include playmaker Piotr Zieliński a midfielder (Napoli F.C.), one of Serie A’s best keepers, Wojciech Szczęsny (Juventus F.C.), and clinical striker/heading specialist Arkadiusz Milik (Marseille F.C.). Each player has the potential to make the other players on the pitch better by covering up mistakes, taking advantage of opportunities, and making high-end plays. Overall, the team has key pieces that can take over a game and make a significant difference.
Some young and underrated players include Jan Bednarek (Southampton F.C.) a 25-year-old defender who has made progress in his defensive acumen in the English Premier League. As well, 17-year-old midfielder Kacper Kozłowski (MKS Pogoń Szczecin), who has shown immense talent, but can lack play-to-play consistency. Each should get chances to start and prove as much this month.
Interestingly, the team is positioned 21st on the FIFA world rankings, yet their outright odds to win the cup are lower than Russia, at +8000. The odds are playable to win the Euro Cup outright and to win the group. Overall, there is reason to be excited about their current play. They play well game-to-game and could go further than what their odds suggest.
Euro Cup Outright Win: + 8000
Group Win: +550
To Qualify: – 250
Scotland National F.C.
First Game: England, Friday June 18
Wembley Stadium
London, UK
Historical rivals of a currently great English squad, the Scots have a cast of underdogs who could turn heads this year. In a decisive first game against England, Scotland has the opportunity to shock the world of football watchers with a nice counterattack and pace.
The man to keep an eye on is captain Andrew Robertson (Liverpool F.C.). His energy will play a significant role and will likely determine how far the team will go into the tournament. Left-back Kieran Tierney (Arsenal F.C.) is the other player to highlight. While Tierney plays the same position as Roberston, analysts speculate Tierney will play left-back and Robertson will slide up to wide left midfield, giving opposing teams difficulties with their speed and playmaking. Aside from Robertson and Tierney, this is one of the deepest Scottish squads to take the field in the past decade. Other notable players include center back Liam Cooper (Leeds F.C.), defensive Midfielder Scott McTominay (Manchester United F.C.), and striker Lyndon Dykes (Q.P.R).
Then there are three young players to watch for, too. They include, one of Chelsea F.C.’s upcoming studs in 19-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour, and 19-year-old right back Nathan Patterson (Ranger F.C.) and 21-year-old attacking midfielder David Turnbull (Celtic F.C.). Each of them have the energy and ball control to make a difference and be significant contributors during the tournament.
Overall, Scotland is the most underrated team and a team fully expected to turn heads. They are positioned 44th in the FIFA world rankings, but are a prime candidate to make it further than what the consensus projects.
Euro Cup Outright Win: +20000
Group Win: +1600
To Qualify: +120
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