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The UEFA Euro 2020 is just around the corner. Talks about who are the favorites to lift the title have already begun. But in football, it is not always the superpowers settling things between them.
Time and again, teams that are not expected to go all the way steal the show even at the biggest of stages. Football fans around the world still remember Greece's title-winning campaign at Euro 2004.
Will there be such a fairy tale this year? Check out the four teams that could be dark horses at UEFA Euro 2020.
4. Sweden
One of the most significant talking points of the UEFA Euro 2020 will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to the national team. We have seen how his return has transformed AC Milan, so it won't come as a big surprise if his presence changes the fortunes of the Sweden national team as well.
Sweden are in Group E alongside Spain, Poland and Slovakia. They will fancy themselves qualifying for the knockouts ahead of Poland and Slovakia. And anything is possible in the knockouts with a big game player like Ibrahimovic in their ranks.
Sweden also have the likes of Victor Lindelof, Dejan Kulusevski and Emil Forsberg to help out Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
3. Russia
Russia impressed fans and pundits alike with their inspired performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They will be eager to prove that their performance back home wasn't a fluke.
Given the quality they possess, it will not be surprising if they manage a deep run in the tournament. Their two biggest stars are AS Monaco's Aleksandr Golovin and Valencia's Denis Cheryshev.
Russia are placed in Group B alongside Belgium, Denmark and Finland. While Belgium are the favorites to top the group, Russia's focus will be on defeating Denmark and Finland.
Russia will bank on the confidence and experience from the 2018 World Cup, where they famously beat a star-studded Spain.
2. Turkey
Turkey have the potential to be the surprise package at UEFA Euro 2020. Having quite a few players who play in a highly-competitive atmosphere every week will help them cope with the pressure of a high-profile event.
Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is their star man, while Juventus's Merih Demiral and Leicester City's Caglar Soyuncu will man the defense. Their squad is also a good mix of experience and youth.
Turkey have been placed in Group A alongside Italy, Wales and Switzerland. Although the group looks a little tough on paper, Turkey have the quality to make a deep run into the tournament.
1. Poland
Poland comes to the UEFA Euro 2020 with arguably the best player in the world - Robert Lewandowski. After a below-par performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Lewandowski and co. will be determined to leave their mark in the European Championship.
Poland are not just a one-man team though. Their squad consists of some big names in European club football. Wojciech Szczesny is one of the best goalkeepers in the world while Napoli's Piotr Zielinski, who is currently being targeted by Liverpool, will lead their midfield. The likes of Krzysztof Piatek and Jan Bednarek have the experience of playing in Europe's top leagues as well.
Poland are in Group E alongside Spain, Sweden and Slovakia. With Spain outright favorites, the race for second place will be a direct one between Ibrahimovic's Sweden and Lewandowski's Poland.
