Slovakia - Ukraine Online (8:00 p.m.): Difficulties await Ukraine

Starting lineup of Slovakia and Ukraine - Graphics: AN BINH

In the first round, Group E was the only group that witnessed two shocking results when Romania beat Ukraine 3-0, while Belgium lost 0-1 to Slovakia.

Ukraine is believed by experts to be the "dark horse" of the tournament. Coach Serhiy Rebrov has a squad of highly rated stars. According to Transfermarkt, their total value is 379 million euros, ranking 10th out of 24 teams participating in Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, both Slovakia and Romania are among the lowest-rated teams in the tournament.

But then Ukraine became the most disappointing team in the first round. If Belgium lost to Slovakia because of too many missed chances, Ukraine hardly created any significant chances in their heavy defeat to Romania.

Coach Rebrov faces many difficult questions ahead of the match against Slovakia, revolving around goalkeeper Lunin, defender Zinchenko and the stars in the attack.

Despite making two mistakes, Lunin will likely still keep his starting position in this match, even though his competitor, Trubin, is equally excellent.

Meanwhile, Zinchenko will likely be pushed into midfield. His ability to hold the ball and pass the ball will help Ukraine control the game more effectively, instead of constantly being hit by counter-attacks from the opponent.

Having lost to the weakest team in the group, Ukraine will certainly have to play offensively to find 3 points against Slovakia. Of course, this task will not be easy when Slovakia showed their solid defense through a 1-0 victory over Belgium.

Led by an Italian tactician (Calzona), Slovakia have a knack for defensive play. They conceded just eight goals in 10 qualifying matches, and have kept clean sheets in their last three.

With a superior squad, Ukraine is still rated by bookmakers as the upper hand in this match. Their handicap is 1/4 (0.25) goals, with an over/under bet of 2 1/4 (2.25) goals.

Pundits are completely divided on the outcome of this match. According to Opta, Ukraine’s win rate is 44%, significantly higher than Slovakia’s 29%. But on the other hand, Whoscored predicts a 2-1 win for Slovakia, while Sportsmole predicts a 1-1 draw.

Sportsmole's computer data favors Slovakia. The most likely score is a 1-1 draw (12.4%). Next is a 1-0 Slovakia win (11.24%) and a 2-1 Slovakia win (9.08%).

Expert's choice: choose Slovakia to receive a handicap of 1/4, the match will have 2 goals or less.

Prediction: 1-1 draw.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/truc-tuyen-slovakia-ukraine-20h-kho-khan-cho-ukraine-20240621165136809.htm