5000–1
Those are the odds bookmakers placed on Leicester to win the Premier League. To put it into context, if you had spent about €10 on Leicester in August 2015 and held the bet until May 2016 when they clinched it, you’d win €50,000.
In Malta, that’s massive—over three years’ rent for your decent Valletta flat (€1,000/month), a used car (€20,000–€30,000), or a hell of a party for you and yours. No tax on gambling winnings there, so it’s all yours.
And that’s just one of the thousands of football underdogs turning the table over the bookies. Speaking of which, should you be interested in a reputable site that offers a ton of rewards and bonuses, be sure to check out Novibet soccer betting.
With that said, here are some of the biggest football upsets and underdog stories that caused bookies nightmares.
When the Underdog Smashes the Odds
Leicester’s underdog title run was not just an upset story, it gave betting enthusiasts belief that the small guy could turn up and win on any given night. Here are other stories that caused bookies nightmares.
Greece at Euro 2004
Who the hell would have predicted that Greece—an unassuming, scrappy side—would shock the football establishment and capture Euro 2004?
Greece won Euro 2004 – they went from complete outsiders to European champions, shocking the football world, starting with a 2-1 upset over Portugal. A 1-1 draw with Spain helped them sneak into the knockouts despite a 2-1 loss to Russia.
They stunned defending champions France 1-0, sent the Czech Republic packing with a last-minute Silver Goal, and then silenced Portugal again in the final—another 1-0 win. They did it at all the Euros in 2004, under Otto Rehhagel’s guidance, by building their game plan on a rock-solid defensive foundation.
Denmark at Euro 1992
Denmark’s triumph in Euro 1992 reads like a script for the ages. Initially left out of qualification, they were given a last-minute lifeline, which they turned into a trophy-winning campaign. Their story reminds us that sometimes the most improbable contenders write the best damn chapters in football history.
Wigan Athletic’s FA Cup Triumph
In 2013, Wigan Athletic shocked the football world by knocking Manchester City out of the FA Cup final. Despite fighting relegation that very season, their fearless display delivered a knockout punch to the establishment—a raw, unapologetic reminder that in football, the underdog can rise and conquer.
Algeria’s 1982 World Cup Shock
At the 1982 World Cup, Algeria pulled off one of the biggest shocks in tournament history by defeating West Germany. This wasn’t just an upset; it was a defiant proclamation that the beautiful game is full of surprises, and that brilliance can come from anywhere—even when the odds are stacked against you.
Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup
Costa Rica’s run in the 2014 World Cup was nothing short of odd-defying. Against odds that were sky-high, they bulldozed their way into the quarterfinals. This came as a shocker because people never even predicted Costa Rica to make it past the group stages!