Slovakia meet Ukraine in a crucial Group E encounter at UEFA Euro 2024.
Victory would see Slovakia go top and secure a knockout spot, whereas Ukraine can go third in the group with a win unless can prevail by a four-goal margin to take second spot.
Team News
Slovakia have no fresh injury concerns after their shock opening win over Belgium.
Ukraine could again be without defender, Vitaliy Mykolenko who missed their shock 3-0 loss to Romania with a foot injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Slovakia face Ukraine at Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, on Friday 21 June at 3pm CEST (2pm UK Time), live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Slovakia’s first meeting against Ukraine at a major tournament, but have avoided defeat in three of four previous competitive meetings (W2, D1, L1).
- Ukraine are yet to beat Slovakia in a competitive game when played as the ‘away’ team (D1, L1).
- A clean sheet would see Slovakia keep four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions for the first time since September – November 2000.
- Ukraine are looking to avoid suffering consecutive losses for the first time since a three-match streak in November 2020, albeit in which they forfeited an away trip to Switzerland due to Coronavirus.
Prediction
Having snatched a shock win over Belgium with an early clinical moment then dug in defensively even if VAR helped them out at times, Slovakia should come into this game full of confidence knowing that they do have the quality to trouble Ukraine across the pitch.
Ukraine though needs to elevate their game to a higher level because they were just lacklustre in their loss to Romania with little quality of any note, whilst their defence was there for the taking on the counter-attack which duly happened so a huge improvement is needed here.
Frankly if Ukraine turn up and deliver a repeat performance, I can see Slovakia taking advantage and booking their spot in the Round of 16.
Prediction: Slovakia 1-0 Ukraine
Result: Slovakia 1-2 Ukraine
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