Ukraine vs Belgium Prediction & Betting Tips (26 June)

Ukraine had shown a very good face during the qualifying phase, certainly finishing 3rd and play-off but above all on the same number of points as Italy which was saved on the last day with a goalless draw. Relegated to the play-off, the Ukrainians won against Bosnia initially 1-2 and Iceland in the play-off final with the same score 2-1. While we thought that Dovbyk's teammates had a real card to play in the race for 1st place with Belgium, they were quickly brought to their senses by taking a real session against Romania in the opening 3-0. Last weekend, Ukraine tried to save its Euro against Slovakia to follow. Remember that this selection played three friendly preparation matches and was not at all reassuring with a defeat against Poland 3-1 and a draw against Germany 0-0. If Ukraine was expected at turning to confirm its good form from the qualifiers, imagine Belgium which comes out of a huge disappointment in the World Cup with an exit from the road in the group phase but which also disappointed in the opening by losing by the smallest score against Slovakia 0-1 and this despite two goals refused by the VAR and especially some serious misses from Lukaku.

.. The Red Devils had no other choice but to win their 2nd match against Romania last weekend to be continued. Furthermore, we can add that the Belgians, before their setback during J1, remained on an impressive series of invincibility of 16 TCC matches for a record of 10 victories including 2 in preparation friendly against Montenegro 2-0 and Luxembourg 3-0.

For this competition, note the non-call-ups of defenders Kryvtsov (Inter Miami) and Karavayev (Dynamo kyiv), midfielder Buyalskyi (Dynamo kyiv) and even striker Sikan (Shakhtar Donetsk). Absent during J1, the immortal Mykolenko (Everton) was announced to have recovered from his injury before J2 and should have taken part in the game against Slovakia. The starting goalkeeper and hero of Real Madrid throughout the season in the absence of Courtois, Lunin was not exempt from all reproaches during the first day and will have tried to redeem himself in the eyes of his country and his teammates against Slovakia. Voted top scorer in La Liga with Girona, Dovbyk is there as is his club partner, Tsygankov and even Valencia CF center forward, Yaremchuk. Having passed through OM, Malinovsky (Genoa now) will be a weapon coming off the bench a priori, ditto Yarmolenko (8 goals, 3 assists in 17 league matches with Dynamo kyiv).

 On the Belgian side, Thomas Meunier (ex-PSG) arrived injured in Germany but still retained but the latter could remain in care once again for this J3 (uncertain). Note on the other hand the withdrawal of Courtois (Real Madrid) who despite his return to the club at the end of the season was not summoned following the possible problems that he drags in the selection with in particular his teammate Kévin de Bruyne (Man City) while Vanaken (Club Bruges, 5 goals in 23 seasons), winger Saelemaekers (Bologna, 1 goal in 12 seasons) and Michy Batshuayi also stayed at home. Tedesco has therefore focused on a complete group where group spirit dominates. The offensive strength is still striking with the contributions of Trossard (Arsenal), Doku (City), Lukaku (Roma) and Loïs Openda (RB Leipzig) without forgetting a quality midfielder with De Bruyne, Tielemans (Aston Villa), Onana (Everton), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) without forgetting Witsel (Atlético Madrid) and elements who could bring a lot off the bench like Lukebakio (Sevilla FC), Carrasco (Al-Shaba) and Bakayoko ( PSV) who was in the running for a start on the 2nd day.