Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction & Betting Tips (21 June)

We expected her to be defiant and playful, but Slovakia completely surprised everyone by taking the best on the first day over the group favorite, Belgium, winning 0-1. This selection is full of resources but we will not forget that it was saved twice by the VAR but in conclusion, it is 3 points and possibly more than a point to be made to ensure the top 3 of the group. Finally, following their content in the preparation friendly with two resounding successes against San Marino 4-0 and against Wales 4-0, we can announce that the Slovaks will try to glean a 4th TCC success in a row. Let us remember, however, that they finished runner-up to a Portugal in control during the qualifiers with 22 points out of a maximum of 30 awarded. Good performance all the same for a selection which has won six of its last eight TCC maths for only one defeat, against Austria in a friendly in March 0-2.

Expected at the turning point following its good qualifying campaign with a 3rd place with the same number of points as Italy, the reigning European champion, Ukraine disappointed for its start by being swept away by one of the little thumbs of the competition, Romania, heavily defeated 3-0. Now, with their backs against the wall, the Ukrainians are obliged to achieve a result today or risk going on early vacation. Dovbyk's partners had already disappointed in a warm-up friendly against Poland at the beginning of June 3-1 and a draw against Germany 0-0 before finally reassuring themselves against very weak opposition from Moldova 0-4. Small reminder, to be present at this major event, Ukraine went through the play-offs and won twice against Bosnia in the semi-final 1-2 and Iceland in the final 2-1.

There are ultimately very few major absences to report among the Slovaks. Let us nevertheless note the withdrawals of Hamsik (26 goals in 138 sels, retirement), Robert Mak (16 goals in 81 sels), Michal Tomic (Slavia Prague, pre-summoned but ultimately not selected) or even Satka (33 sel) on the flank at the end of the campaign with Samsunspor (Turkey). The entire group should be there and in particular the only scorer against Belgium, the offensive player from Slavia Prague, Schranz (5 goals in selection) perfectly served by a gem from Kucka (Slovan Bratislava) with a backheel delivery . The well-known Lobotka (Naples) and Skriniar (PSG) also performed well in the first match without forgetting the contribution of Bozonik (8 goals with Boavista in the Portuguese D1 this season). Highly rated against the Red Devils, goalkeeper Dubravka held his position and will have to achieve great feats in the future to keep his selection afloat in this Euro. Let's not forget to notify the presence of the important Hancko (Feyenoord), Duda (Hellas Verona) and Haraslin (Sparta Prague, 3 goals during the qualifiers). Opposite, Ukraine has decided to compose without the experienced defender Kryvtsov ( Inter Miami, 34 sel) or Karavayev (Dynamo kyiv, 49 sel), the midfielders Buyalskyi (Dynamo kyiv) and Ignatenko (Bordeaux) and the offensive Sikan (Shakhtar Donetsk).

The starting left back, Mykolenko (Everton) was not 100% to take part in the first day against Romania and did not set foot on the pitch (uncertain today). It was therefore Zinchenko who took his place in the left lane but the Arsenal resident did not succeed in making an offensive impact as he often does in club or even selection (9 pawns in the yellow and blue jersey). An indisputable starter from now on, Dovbyk (top scorer in La Liga with Girona this season) was transparent against Romania. However, on paper, this selection is not to be complained about with the presence of Tsygankov (Girona), Mudryk (photo, Chelsea) or the recovery duo established during J1: Stapanenko (Shakhtar) and Shaparenko (Dynamo kyiv ). Often announced as the main architect of Real Madrid's success in the Champions League (rightly), Lunin was in difficulty this time around, notably with errors of judgment which practically cost his selection the match. Definitively transferred to Genoa, Malinovsky (ex-OM) is very present in Germany as is the legend Yarmolenko (34 years old, Dynamo kyiv, 120 sels, 46 goals) both used off the bench against the Romanians on Monday afternoon.