The European Championships have seen some incredible upsets over the years, with even top teams falling to underdogs. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to Harry Kane’s England, no team is safe from the underdog wind of change that can suddenly bestow favor upon a random outsider.
In 1992, Greece, ranked 300-1, shocked everyone by winning the tournament, leaving a young Cristiano Ronaldo in tears. Similar upsets have happened to other soccer icons like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paolo Maldini. Even former Germany international Jurgen Klinsmann experienced defeat in the title game to Denmark, a team that had only entered the tournament 10 days before it started.
The intensity of the Euros and the high level of expectation on top teams can sometimes work against them. Wes Morgan, a former Leicester City captain, believes that being the underdog can actually be an advantage. When all the focus is on the big teams like France and Germany, the underdog can play with less pressure and more freedom.
Upsets are a common occurrence in tournaments like the Euros, where anything can happen on any given day. Teams like Georgia, Slovakia, and Slovenia have already made history by qualifying for the last 16, while more established teams like England and France are facing scrutiny despite winning their groups.
The magic of an upset goes beyond just the game itself. For smaller or less-favored nations, it can mean everything. Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spoke emotionally about what the win meant to his country, highlighting the power of unity and belief in achieving the impossible.
As the tournament progresses, underdogs like Austria will be looking to make a deep run, following in the footsteps of past surprise teams like Iceland and Wales. The key for underdogs, according to Wes Morgan, is to rely on their character and relationships on the field, building a strong bond that can carry them further than expected.
While the Euros are known for their superstar appeal, it’s the potential for upsets that truly makes the tournament magical. Whether it’s a small nation like Iceland or a historic underdog like Greece, the Euros have a way of showcasing the unpredictable nature of football and the power of belief in achieving the impossible.
