Top 20 Biggest Upsets In Euro History

In this article we’ll take a look at the biggest upsets in Euro football history. Well, we will take a look at the biggest upsets based on prematch odds since Euro 2000.

“Why?”

Well everyone loves an upset, especially those of us who love backing ugly underdogs.

“No, I mean, why only since Euro 2000?”

Well that’s the earliest Euro tournament that I have prematch odds for.

“So this article wont discuss Denmark’s coming off the beach to stun the world and win Euro 1992?”.

Well, heading into Euro ‘92 Denmark were at odds 21.0 to win the eight team tournament. To put that into context, Germany and France are odds 21.0 to meet in the final of Euro 2021. So sure, Denmark winning Euro ‘92 was unexpected, but it was hardly Leicester City winning the Premier League. And it wasn’t even Greece at odds 81.0 winning Euro 2004.

“Ok, whatever.”

1. Iceland 2 England 1, Euro 2016, Round of 16

Iceland entered Euro 2016 at odds 126.0 to win the tournament and having won their way to the knockout stage, eliminated one of the tournament favourites England in the round of 16.

After England scored in the 4th minute thanks to a penalty, Iceland responded in the 6th and 18th minutes, to take a 2-1 lead they would hold for the remainder of the match.

Prematch odds: Iceland 9.10, Draw, 4.20, England 1.45

2. Greece 1 France 0, Euro 2004, Qtr Final

Greece entered Euro 2004 at odds 81.0 to claim the title. Reaching the quarter finals, the Greeks faced France, a team who entered the tournament at odds 4.0 to be crowned European champions.

After a scoreless opening half, Greece would score in the 65th minute thanks to Angelos Charisteas and hold their 1-0 advantage to fulltime and book a semi final meeting with the Czech Republic.

Prematch odds: Greece 7.60, Draw 4.0, France 1.50

3. Greece 2 Portugal 1, Euro 2004, Group Stage

Greece’s unlikely run to European glory in 2004 began with an upset win over hosts Portugal in the opening round of group action. Greece scored in the 7th minute and again shortly after half time to take a 2-0 lead. Despite a late goal to Cristiano Ronaldo, Greece would claim a 2-1 victory.

Prematch odds: Greece 7.0, Draw 3.70, Portugal 1.60.

4. Hungary 2 Austria 0, Euro 2016, Group Stage

While it may not appear a top five European championship upset at first glance, Hungary entered the tournament at odds 351.0 to be crowned champions, with Austria odds 41.0.

After a scoreless opening half, Hungary would score in the 62nd minute and again to seal the result in the 87th minute to give them a valuable opening round victory that would ultimately see them top their group and progress to the round of 16.

Prematch odds: Hungary 6.10, Draw 3.60, Austria 1.65

5. Northern Ireland 2 Ukraine 0, Euro 2016, Group Stage

Northern Ireland came into Euro 2016 at odds 351.0 to win the tournament, with their group rivals Ukraine at odds 81.0.

Northern Ireland scored just after halftime to open the scoring and again late in added time to seal the result, a victory that would help them earn a place in the round of 16.

Prematch odds: Northern Ireland 6.0, Draw 3.35, Ukraine 1.75

6. Croatia 2 Germany 1, Euro 2008, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Croatia 5.65, Draw 3.40 ,Germany 1.75

7. Denmark 1 Netherlands 0, Euro 2012, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Denmark 5.40, Draw 3.60, Netherlands 1.75

8. Norway 1 Spain 0, Euro 2000, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Norway 5.40, Draw 3.40, Spain 1.80

9. Croatia 2 Spain 1, Euro 2016, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Croatia 5.20, Draw 3.0, Spain 1.90

10. Sweden 2 France 0, Euro 2012, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Sweden 5.10, Draw 3.75, France 1.75

11. Greece 1 Russia 0, Euro 2012, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Greece 5.05, Draw 3.60, Russia 1.75

12. Greece 1 Portugal 0, Euro 2004, Final

Prematch odds: Greece 5.0, Draw 3.45, Portugal 1.80

13. Latvia 0 Germany 0, Euro 2004, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Latvia 10.30, Draw 4.95, Germany 1.35

14. Wales 3 Belgium 1, Euro 2016, Qtr Final

Prematch odds: Wales 4.80, Draw 3.35, Belgium 1.85

15. Romania 3 England 2, Euro 2000, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Romania 4.70, Draw 3.65, England 1.80

16. Turkey 2 Belgium 0, Euro 2000, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Turkey 4.65, Draw, 3.65, Belgium 1.80

17. Italy 2 Germany 1, Euro 2012, Semi Final

Prematch odds: Italy 4.60, Draw 3.35, Germany 1.90

18. Italy 2 Spain 0, Euro 2016, Round of 16

Prematch odds: Italy 4.50, Draw 2.90, Spain 2.10

19. Iceland 1 Portugal 1, Euro 2016, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Iceland 9.0, Draw 4.50, Portugal 1.40

20. Czech Republic 2 Germany 1, Euro 2004, Group Stage

Prematch odds: Czech Rep 4.30, Draw 4.25, Germany 1.75