- What: 2nd round of EURO 2024, Group E, Slovakia vs Ukraine
- Where: Germany, Düsseldorf
- When: June 21, 16:00 (local time - 15:00)
- Stadium: Merkur Spiel-Arena (51,500 seats)
Two teams with the most surprising results in the first round of EURO 2024, but with different evaluations, are facing off. Slovakia defeated a favorite, while Ukraine lost to the group's theoretical underdog. Now, one team basks in the glory, while the other faces a last chance today.
Slovakia
They sensationally defeated one of the tournament favorites, Belgium, 0-1. Of course, there was some luck in their victory, as Lukaku scored twice against Slovakia, but both goals were disallowed! The first was due to a small offside, and the second for a slight handball that did not alter the ball's trajectory. Formally, everything was correct. And Slovakia did not receive the three points as a gift – they played smartly and sharply.
Main statistics of the Belgium vs Slovakia match: xG: 1.83 - 0.66, Shots: 16 - 10, Shots on target: 5 - 4, Accurate passes: 488 - 283, Passes in the final third: 134 - 93, Accuracy: 66% - 65%. Notably, despite Belgium's threefold advantage in shots, both teams hit the target almost the same number of times. Slovakia is careful with their chances.
Ukraine
They suffered a "cold shower," completely failing in the match against Romania with a 3-0 loss. Horrible defensive mistakes and mocking long-range goals from the Romanians. Despite controlling the ball for most of the game, they couldn't create any dangerous chances. They woke up only in the second half, which was obviously too late.
Main statistics of the Romania vs Ukraine match: xG: 1.14 - 0.52, Possession: 29% - 71%, Shots: 9 - 13, Shots on target: 5 - 2, Accurate passes: 170 - 516, Passes in the final third: 77 - 159, Accuracy: 60% - 77%. Total inability to play as the leading team and terrible finishing.
Prediction
Both teams have opposite ways to achieve the same goal – to win. Slovakia needs to come back to earth and prepare for a game against an equally strong opponent, who is going into a last-ditch battle. Ukraine must forget the fiasco, build up sporting anger, and score… and score a lot – that is also important. Expect a relatively high-scoring game.
Prediction xGscore: Total Over 2
