Sabasports Match Preview
Euro 2024: Slovakia vs Ukraine
Kickoff Time: 2024-06-21 21:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
In the opening match of Group E, Slovakia secured an impressive 1-0 victory over Belgium. Francesco Calzona has infused Slovakian football with Italian tactics, with players boasting experience from the top five European leagues forming the backbone of his tactical strategy. A proponent of the 4-3-3 formation, Calzona’s strategy revolves around utilizing this setup for aggressive pressing. They frequently employ inverted triangle crosses from the flanks, a tactic that also bolsters central players’ opportunities. Acknowledging Slovakia’s strength, Calzona tailored a strategy centered on possession-based attrition in balanced play. Once ahead, they shift focus to defensive counterattacks. The lack of potent forward prompts reliance on set-piece scenarios and midfielders for goals.
Ukraine, meanwhile, endured a stunning 0-3 defeat against Romania in their opener. In the match, they generated few menacing attacks despite high rate of ball possession. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid performed below par; while Romania’s goals were spectacular, his mistakes significantly contributed to the loss. Mykhaylo Mudryk and Viktor Tsygankov showcased promising attacking prowess and speed, yet Artem Dovbyk failed to impress. Without his pivotal role, Ukraine’s offensive efficiency suffered. Defensively, their inability to cope with aerial threats emerged as glaring weaknesses. Ukraine’s prospects in the European Championship hinge largely on improving their striker’s efficiency and minimizing defensive mistakes.
Despite Slovakia’s overall lesser reputation and weaker strength compared to Ukraine, their three lines are balanced without notable weaknesses. In contrast, Ukraine boast a star-studded forward line but show clear instability in defense, making them appear top-heavy. Slovakia’s first game performance was notably superior to Ukraine’s, reflecting their stability in both attack and defense. Consequently, Slovakia, with their stable performance, are anticipated to continue accumulating points.
Slovakia’s Last 5 Games: WWWDL
24-06-18 Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
24-06-10 Slovakia 4-0 Wales
24-06-06 Slovakia 4-0 San Marino
24-03-27 Norway 1-1 Slovakia
24-03-24 Slovakia 0-2 Austria
Ukraine’s Last 5 Games: LWLDW
24-06-17 Romania 3-0 Ukraine
24-06-12 Moldova 0-4 Ukraine
24-06-08 Poland 3-1 Ukraine
24-06-04 Germany 0-0 Ukraine
24-03-27 Ukraine 2-1 Iceland
Head To Head Record:
18-11-17 Slovakia 4-1 Ukraine
18-09-09 Ukraine 1-0 Slovakia
17-11-11 Ukraine 2-1 Slovakia
16-09-09 Slovakia 0-0 Ukraine
14-09-09 Ukraine 0-1 Slovakia
Prediction: Slovakia to win or Draw