Monday, June 11, 2012

GDANSK, POLAND - JUNE 10:  Antonio Di Natale of Italy celebrates a draw with team mates during the UEFA EURO 2012 group C match between Spain and Italy at The Municipal Stadium on June 10, 2012 in Gdansk, Poland.  (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) Claudio Villa/Getty Images

On Day 4 of Euro 2012, we saw France and England battle to a draw and Ukraine shock Sweden.

We've already seen some underdogs impose their will from the start, which should make this yet another spectacular run at the Euro championship.

Here's a look at three underdogs (according to PaddyPower.com), who cannot be overlooked to win the title this year.

3. Denmark (35-1)

146033804_crop_650x440 Julian Finney/Getty Images

The way Denmark played against the heavily-favored Netherlands, you would have never guessed the Danes were underdogs.

Michael Krohn-Dehli was the hero for Denmark vs. the Netherlands, capitalizing on poor defense from the Dutch and swinging home the deciding goal with a solid finish in the 24th minute.

The Dutch were able to get off an astounding 28 shots, but only eight were on goal, and zero found the back of the net. While this affair could have easily gone the Netherlands' way, Denmark deserves credit for holding strong and being part of the first big surprise of the tournament.

2. Russia (11-1)

145979760_crop_650x440 Clive Mason/Getty Images

Russia didn't play a particularly tough Czech Republic squad on Friday, but that doesn't change the fact that the Russians looked good, routing the Czechs, 4-1.

Alan Dzagoev played a spectacular game for Russia, scoring two goals, and the Russians responded well after the Czech Republic scored early in the second half to make it 2-1 at the time.

Russian goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev was strong at goal, recording five saves in the opening victory.

1. Italy (12-1)

146114233_crop_650x440 Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Who has the best chance of winning the title?

  • Italy

    71.9%
  • Russia

    18.8%
  • Denmark

    9.4%
  • Spain, the reigning champion, was generally regarded as the team to beat headed into Euro 2012, but Italy's opening goal in the 60th minute put pressure on the Spaniards, and the Italians were able to come away with a 1-1 draw.

    Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon recorded six saves and the Italian defense was able to shut out Spain after Cesc Fabregas knotted it up in the 64th minute.

    Italy appears to have enough to make a run at the title this year, and its opening draw against Spain was evidence enough.

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