Overachievers: Four Sides Who Outdid Their Expectations at Euro 2024 and the Copa America
Bruce Dias 
Another summer of football is over as far as international tournaments are concerned. Both Euro 2024 and Copa America delivered their respective share of memorable moments, with football bets shocked by various upsets, and several dark horses at the tournament.
While Spain and Argentina won each competition and will meet at the Finalissima, UEFA’s Cup of Champions, in 2025, there were several underdogs who perhaps outperformed what was expected of them both in Europe and the CONMEBOL nations.
With that in mind, we take a look at four nations that exceeded expectations throughout this summer’s international tournaments.
Canada
We begin with Copa America semi-finalists Canada, who will be hosting the next World Cup in 2026 alongside Mexico and the United States. Not much was expected of Canada this summer, especially as manager Jesse Marsch was only hired in May, but they caused several upsets.
Having managed to navigate their way through a tough group that consisted of Argentina, Peru and Chile, a penalty shootout victory over Venezuela after a 1-1 draw set up a rematch with the Argentines in the last four.
Despite a valiant effort, goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi either side of the interval proved too much for Canada, who will be looking to build on their momentum ahead of the next World Cup.
Switzerland
Having gone under the radar throughout their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, Switzerland arrived at the tournament as a dark horse, but managed to reach the quarter-finals before exiting to eventual finalists England via penalties.
The Swiss had shown character to take the lead against England through Breel Embolo but were deflated when Bukayo Saka’s equaliser flew in 10 minutes from time.
The confidence they had shown in the groups and in their round of 16 victory over reigning champions Italy was quickly fading and Inter Milan goalkeeper Yan Sommer was perilous to stop the well-taken penalties that culminated with Switzerland heading home.
Uruguay
Had it not been for a chaotic 90 minutes against Colombia in the semi-finals, Uruguay could have easily become Copa America champions.
Their match against Colombia was somewhat overshadowed by turbulence between the two sets of supporters, but even during the match, which saw six yellows and two red cards, the Uruguayans were unable to keep their cool.
Darwin Nunez stepped up to the plate for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani at the end of their illustrious international careers. The Liverpool striker will now be expected to lead the line at the World Cup, supported by the likes of Facundo Pellistri and Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde.
Turkey
Having failed to win a game during their Euro 2021 campaign, Turkey went to Germany with a point to prove. Their squad had never been able to make the most of its immense potential, and with several managers all failing to get the best out of them, not much was expected from Vincenzo Montella’s men.
However, Turkey put together some entertaining displays throughout the Euros. They pressed high up the pitch, leading to lots of goals at both ends, although this proved to be their undoing.
Turkey’s risky approach won over many neutrals, but after taking the lead against the Netherlands, they lacked the tournament experience to see the game out, and the Dutch hit a quick one-two combo in the 70th and 76th minute to win the game 2-1 and reach the last four.
Still, this was Turkey’s best tournament performance since the 2002 World Cup, and they will be hoping for a strong showing in the Nations League later this year when they face Wales and Montenegro in League B.
