Why it's worth backing players to score from distance at Euro 2024

When Florian Wirtz scored the first goal of Euro 2024 with a first-time finish from just inside the D of the penalty area as Germany beat Scotland 5-1, little did we know that would be the start of a trend at the tournament.

As we head into the final day of the group stage, there have already been 14 goals from outside the penalty area in 32 matches.

That has already bettered the number at the World Cup in Qatar 18 months ago, when there were 13 in 64 matches.

At Euro 2020 there were 19 goals from outside the area in the whole tournament, so that mark looks almost certain to be passed soon.

• Here are the best betting offers for Euro 2024

Who you should back for an outside of the box goal?

The stats show that it is Turkey who are most likely to shoot from outside of the box with the average distance of their shots being 22.6 yards. Romania are next in the rankings at 20.9.

Not surprisingly, they are among the four nations who have scored two goals from outside the area. The others – Germany and Switzerland – have already confirmed their places in the round of 16 while Turkey and Romania are in action this afternoon.

Romania play Slovakia knowing a draw will see them through while Turkey only need to avoid defeat to Czechia to progress.

In Romania vs Slovakia, a small punt with Sky Bet on Stanicu to score from outside the area at 9/1 or Marin at 11/1 could be tempting. Meanwhile, in Czechia vs Turkey, Guler is 10/1 to score from outside the penalty box.

For Saturday’s round-of-16 game between Switzerland and Italy, Shaqiri, Aebischer and Barello (who is also among the 14 who have scored from distance) are worth a look, while you can refer back to this page when the rest of the ties are decided.

Long-shots leaderboard

Two goals

Germany – Florian Wirtz and Emre Can (both vs Scotland) 

Switzerland – Michel Aebischer (vs Hungary) and Xherdan Shaqiri (vs Scotland)

Turkey – Kerem Akturkoglu and Arda Guler (both vs Georgia)

Romania – Nicolae Stanciu and Razvan Marin (both vs Ukraine)

One goal

Belgium – Youri Tielemans (vs Romania)

Czechia – Lukas Provod (vs Portugal)

Denmark – Morten Hjulmand (vs England)

Italy – Nicolo Barella (vs Albania)

Netherlands – Cody Gakpo (vs Poland)

Slovenia – Erik Janza (vs Denmark)

• Check out our full tips for Romania vs Slovakia and Czechia vs Turkey

Long shot tips:

• Guler to score from outside the area in Czechia vs Turkey (5pm) @ 10/1 with Sky Bet
• Stanciu to score from outside the area in Romania vs Slovakia (8pm) @ 9/1 with Sky Bet
• Marin to score from outside the area in Romania vs Slovakia (8pm) @ 11/1 with Sky Bet

Fancy a bet on a player to score from outside the area?