3 years ago Turkey failed to live up to their status of dark horses, losing all 3. It fell to Denmark to be the surprise semi-finalists - unlucky to lose to England at that stage in fairness - as they emerged from the near tragic circumstances of their opening game. But who will be the dark horse that goes furthest this summer? Obviously definition matters, I have gone anyone 80/1 or more so discount Switzerland, Croatia, Denmark, Netherlands and the likes.
For those who don't follow the "once bit twice shy" mantra, Turkey look to be in a good position this year. A group with lowest ranked Georgia should give them a good path to the last 16. Fellow dark horse Czech Republic are also in the group with Portugal. Turkey have a very experienced squad, but Juve youngster Kenan Yildiz could be their shining light. 19 year old Arda Guler won the Champions League last night, but didn't get on the pitch. After an injury ravaged start to his Madrid career, Guler ended the season with 6 goals in 10 La Liga appearances and could be one to watch for Turkey.
Serbia have never failed to disappoint at major tournaments (since the break up of Yugoslavia) as they live firmly in the shadow of their neighbours Croatia. However, with a strike force of Vlahovic, Jovic and Mitrovic they should fancy their chances of getting out of a group with Slovenia, Denmark and England. A lot of experience in the squad with the likes of Tadic, Milinkovic-Savic, Gudelj and Kostic.
With a history of 11 group stage departures from 11 major tourrnaments, Scotland won't be dreaming of anything beyond group qualification. Kicking off the tournament against the host nation Germany, it isn't the easiest of groups but not the worst - with solid Switzerland and last times "heroic losers" Hungary - both of whom could be regarded as dark horses themselves. A very strong qualification by the Scots, including beating Spain, has increased hopes of a good run - although more recent form hasn't been great. They have lost Lyndon Dykes ahead of the tournament, but it is the likes of John McGinn, Scott McTominay and left backs Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney who they will depend on.
Group E, along with Belgium, offers hope to 3 unfashionable sides. Slovakia and Romania will probably not look further than last 16 but Ukraine may have bigger dreams. After just missing out on auto-qualification on H2H with Italy and behind England, Ukraine negotiated the play-offs against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland to book their place. A quarter final last time out ended in a disappointing 4-0 defeat to England but with a bit of luck they could go further this time. Andriy Lunin will have to get over the disappointment of being dropped for last nights final, as the Ukraine defence will no doubt be key to any success. Zinchenko tends to play in midfield for his nation, with La Liga top scorer Artem Dovbyk ahead of him. Yaremchuk, Mudryk and Mykolenko are all well known names in their squad.
Turkey and Serbia are 80/1 to win the tournament, Scotland 150/1 and Ukraine 100/1.
For real outsiders, Albania are 750/1, Georgia are 500/1, Slovakia are 250/1 and Romania and Slovenia are 200/1. Other long-shots are Austria (80/1), Hungary and Poland (100s), Czech (150).
Who will go furthest of the "dark-horses"?
Euro 24 dark horses!
posted on 3/6/24
Bang on with Denmark last time, even after the defeat in the opener. Austria maybe this time but overall no special dark horse semi finalist I don't think. Serbia perhaps a QF
posted on 3/6/24
The Czechs, mark my words
posted on 27/6/24
comment by Striketeam7 - confident for Southgate’s ... (U18109)
posted 3 weeks, 3 days ago
The Czechs, mark my words
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Hmmmm
posted on 27/6/24
comment by Cinciwolf-----JA606 NFL fantasy champ 2023 (U11551)
posted 3 weeks, 3 days ago
Bang on with Denmark last time, even after the defeat in the opener. Austria maybe this time but overall no special dark horse semi finalist I don't think. Serbia perhaps a QF
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posted on 27/6/24
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 3 weeks, 4 days ago
Interesting group for Austria - feel maybe they and Poland will cancel each other out.
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posted on 27/6/24
Posted before Lewa got injured 🤔
posted on 2/7/24
My dark horses beat your dark horses
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 1 month ago
Who will go furthest of the "dark-horses"?
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Austria I reckon. Fell for Turkey's dark horse status last time though, as you mention they completely failed.
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stupid khunt
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 30 seconds ago
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 1 month ago
Who will go furthest of the "dark-horses"?
-----
Austria I reckon. Fell for Turkey's dark horse status last time though, as you mention they completely failed.
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stupid khunt
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acknowledged
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Don Draper's dandruff (U20155)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 30 seconds ago
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 1 month ago
Who will go furthest of the "dark-horses"?
-----
Austria I reckon. Fell for Turkey's dark horse status last time though, as you mention they completely failed.
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stupid khunt
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acknowledged
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