Match Prediction: Slovakia vs Ukraine UEFA European Championship 2024
This match is set to be intriguing, with both teams showcasing very good defensive records in the qualifiers. The two teams will face off in their second UEFA 2024 Group E match. Second place is up for grabs in this group, making this game a must-win for both sides.
How did they qualify?
Slovakia beat Iceland 4-2 in the qualifiers to secure their place in the UEFA Championship 2024 in their ninth game. Still, group leaders Portugal winning every game meant they had to settle for second place. The Slovakians impressed in Group J despite an early hiccup when they drew against Luxembourg in their first game. They lost only two games in their group, but both defeats came to Portugal. A side they were expected to lose to.
Ukraine had to rely on qualifying through the playoffs, beating Iceland to qualify for the Euros 2024. Iceland led at halftime, but a spirited comeback in the second half meant that this Ukrainian side wouldn't be spending their summer on holiday. Ukraine’s Tsygankov scored a goal at the start of the second half to make things level. It was then Mudryk’s low shot, also his second-ever international goal, in the 84th minute that led to Ukraine’s 2-1 victory over Iceland and secured their place in the championship.
Team Analysis
This Slovakian team is known for its defensive capabilities. Head coach Francesco Calzona has been managing the team since November 2022, and his tenure has been relatively positive. Many fans would agree that Francesco has done an incredible job so far.
As for Ukraine, the team is known for launching quick counterattacks that can be troublesome for opponents who take risks in the offensive half. The head coach is Serhiy Rebrov, and the team has also displayed a solid defensive setup under his leadership. During the qualifiers, Ukraine claimed several draws against top-class teams like England and Italy, which led some people to declare Ukraine as one of the tournament’s dark horses.
Players to watch
Slovakia's squad includes several skilled players, including one who has been regarded as one of the most impressive defenders in Europe for some time now.
- Milan Skriniar: The PSG man is considered the leader of Slovakia’s defence and one of Calzon’s favourites, owing to his skill and determination to win the ball at all costs. Skriniar has a wealth of experience, having played for teams like PSG and Inter Milan, and he can offer a commanding presence to the backline of his national team.
The Ukraine team also possesses top talent, but one player stands out as the best defender.
- Vitaliy Mykolenko: The Everton player is Ukraine’s most valuable defender. He has widely been praised for his positioning, game reading, and tackles that give his opponents a tough time. The Ukrainian was instrumental in Everton’s survival this season and is one to keep an eye out for in the Euros as well.
Prediction
Considering how both teams like to play defensively, the match will likely be cagey as the teams try to assess each other’s flaws. Some might favour Ukraine, but Slovakia’s robust defence should not be underestimated. Given the nature of both teams, a draw could be on the cards despite this game being a must win occasion for both teams.