Every two years when the World and European football tournaments get under way there are teams that pundits and regular fans alike discount. Be it because of poor track record or lack of well known names that play on big clubs, these teams are seen as having little to no chance of advancing. Underdogs come out of nowhere to make history for their country and lots of money for those who bet on them. Being as this is the European Cup there is core contingent of countries that are perennial powerhouses. With only four qualification groups the level of competition is much higher.
The key to betting the underdogs properly is going to be watching the tables. Everything gets easier after the first set of matches because the quality of most teams is so high some of the better known teams have to square off in their first match. France and England for example. If England wins they will likely look to play a more defensive game against Sweden in their second match, which would make a draw much more likely. On the other side of things, if Italy pulls an upset and ties or beats defending champions Spain that whole group won’t really be affected. Spain is essentially guaranteed victory against Ireland and Croatia, barring some sort of miracle. Also, look for the Netherlands v Germany to have big implications for the third set of matches in group B. If either team come out with the victory they will likely have two wins and six points with one game to play. If Germany wins Denmark will have a much better chance of playing Germany to a draw, as they are likely to sit some of the stars so they don’t get injured or carded. As well, if the Dutch win that game, look for Portugal to have a good chance of victory in their final group match (history is in their favour with a 6-3-1 all-time record against the Dutch). In Group A, many would suggest Poland is the underdog.
Not being known as powerhouse, and not having to qualify because of host status, a lot of people will count Poland out in favour of Greece and Russia advancing. Poland is a legitimate team with the added advantage of playing on their home turf. They are a good bet in any of their group matches. Denmark is clearly the underdog in group B. However, the only good time to bet on them will be their second match against Portugal. Also, in group B, Portugal is a good underdog bet against the Netherlands. Italy over Spain is a good bet, as dark-horse Italy could be the story of the tournament. With that being said, its hard to say which underdog team to bet in group C. The Republic of Ireland and Croatia have both shown flashes of brilliance at the international level. Croatia could upset Italy if they are coming off a tough loss to Spain. Ireland’s tournament life rests on their first game, so if there is a time to bet on them it is then. In group D, the other host country Ukraine is in tough. England, France, and Sweden are all solid teams that will not concede goals lightly. Bets on the Ukraine should be small as the numbers are good but the odds/chances of wins are very low.
