Slovakia will go head-to-head against Ukraine at Düsseldorf Arena in their second group-stage match of UEFA Euro 2024 on Friday. Slovakia won their campaign opener 1-0 against Belgium on Monday while Ukraine slumped to a 3-0 loss to Romania.
A win in this match will help the Falcons guarantee a place in the top two in the Group E table while this is a must-win match for the Blue and Yellow, who face Belgium in their final game of the group stage next week.
Sokoli pulled off the first major upset of the tournament, with Sparta Prague striker Ivan Schranz scoring the only goal of the match in the seventh minute against Belgium. They also kept just their second clean sheet at the European Championships and will look to build on that form.
The Blue and Yellow put up a good fight against Romania and dominated possession but failed to make the most of it as they had just two shots on target.
Slovakia vs Ukraine Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two sides have met eight times in all competitions and will meet for the first time in the European Championship. They have contested these games closely, with Slovakia having a narrow 3-2 lead in wins and three games ending in draws.
- Five of the eight meetings between them have produced under 2.5 goals.
- They last met in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League in 2018, with both teams registering home wins.
- The Falcons have just one win in their last four meetings against Ukraine, failing to score in two games in that period.
- The Blue and Yellow have suffered three losses in their last four games in the European Championship. They have failed to score in these defeats while conceding nine goals.
Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction
Sokoli registered an impressive win over Belgium in their campaign opener and also had luck on their side as VAR ruled out two Belgian goals. Dávid Hancko made a crucial goal-line clearance in the second half and helped his side keep a clean sheet against the side ranked third in the FIFA Rankings. Francesco Calzona is likely to opt for a similar starting XI from their campaign opener.
The Blue and Yellow struggled defensively in their campaign opener and Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made two major mistakes that led to goals for Romania. Vitaliy Mykolenko was an unused substitute in that match and should start in this game.
This is a crucial match for both teams and will determine their fate in the competition. With the stakes this high, both teams will look to put in a good shift and a draw is likely to ensue.
Prediction: Slovakia 1-1 Ukraine
Slovakia vs Ukraine Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the first half - Yes
Tip 4: Artem Dovbyk to score or assist any time - Yes