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Arun - March 19, 2024
As the football world gears up for two of the most prestigious tournaments on the international stage, fans and pundits alike are speculating about potential dark horses that could defy expectations. UEFA Euro 2024 is set to captivate audiences across the globe as it unfolds in Germany this summer, while, South America’s premier national team competition, the Copa America, will see teams battle it out for continental supremacy.
Italy and Argentina are the respective champions of both tournaments. The former stunned England on penalties at Wembley to claim the crown of European champions back in 2021, while the Albiceleste delivered Lionel Messi his first international trophy with a shock 1-0 victory against Brazil at the Maracana that same year. The Argentinians famously went on to claim the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, cementing Messi’s position as the greatest player that’s ever lived in the process. But who are the contenders this time around?
Websites providing betting and offers on both tournaments, such as BetMGM free bets, where punters can claim up to £60 in free bets, have made England and France the favourites for European glory. On the other side of the planet, the reigning champion Argentina and their archrivals Brazil are the two front runners, as always. But there are two potential outsiders ready and waiting to upset the apple cart.
Scotland, often overshadowed by their more illustrious neighbours, England, have emerged as a team with an outside chance of causing a stir in the upcoming Euro 2024. Their path to the tournament was nothing short of remarkable. They boasted impressive qualifying victories against three-time champions Spain, gaining qualification with two games to spare after a thrilling six goal draw against Norway. The Tartan Army qualified for their first major tournament since 1998 at Euro 2020. Three years later, they are back in business.
Scotland remain unfancied and rightfully so. We’re not telling you to back them to win the tournament at 80/1. But a much more reasonable bet would be backing them to reach the quarterfinals. Or, if you fancy them to emulate neighbours Wales’ exploits at Euro 2016, you can back them to reach the final four at 14/1. Under the guidance of their savvy coaching staff, spearheaded by Steve Clarke and the passion of their supporters, Scotland has all the makings of a team capable of punching above their weight.
Turning our attention to South America, Uruguay has emerged as the team with an outside chance of clinching the Copa America title. Despite the ever-present shadow cast by footballing giants Argentina and Brazil, the Uruguayans have shown they are no pushovers. Recent World Cup qualifiers saw them secure 2-0 victories against both Argentina and Brazil, with their win against the former coming in impressive fashion in Buenos Aires.
Uruguay’s squad is a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents that possesses the quality required to navigate the treacherous waters of South America’s premier tournament. They are currently listed as the third favourites for glory at 5/1, demonstrating that the bookies share our sentiments that they have an outside shot at victory.
Uruguay last lifted the trophy back in 2011 when the menacing strike force of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani were firing on all cylinders. This time around, they are led by Liverpool hitman Darwin Nunez, who possesses all the talent necessary to lead his team into the latter stages of the competition.
The immediate challenge for the Uruguayans comes in the form of the USA. The Americans are hosting this year’s tournament and have been invited to compete by tournament organizers CONMEBOL. Buoyed by the backing of tens of thousands of supporters cheering them on, they will provide a stern test against Uruguay in the group stage. Should the Stars and Stripes manage to get the win and top the group, the Nunez and Co. will have to face off against Brazil in the quarterfinals, a matchup that could spell trouble.
