Slovakia vs Ukraine Prediction Euro 2024

⚽ Football EURO 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 21 June 2024 - 14:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Merkur Spiel-Arena (Düsseldorf)

Slovakia (FIFA Rank: #48) pulled off the first big shock of Euro 2024, and statistically one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history, as they beat Belgium 1-0 in their opening game. They have now put themselves in pole position to reach the knockout stage from Group E, and though they needed a helping hand or two from VAR to get over the line against Belgium, the victory only extended an impressive record under the tutelage of Francesco Calzona.

Since he took charge in August 2022, Slovakia have lost just four of 19 games (W10, D5), and came into the tournament on the back of just two defeats in qualifying (W7, D1), both to group winners Portugal. Four of those seven qualifying wins came 'to nil', and having kept Belgium out on Monday to make it three straight clean sheets, Calzona will likely once again look to his well-drilled defence in Düsseldorf.

In stark contrast, opponents Ukraine were thumped 3-0 in their opening group game by Romania. The positive omen for Serhiy Rebrov's side is that they haven't lost back-to-back games since November 2020, and that needs to remain the case, or they'll face an uphill battle to progress come the final round of group games.

Quarter-finalists at the last Euros in 2021, Ukraine boast a rather impressive overall record of losing just six times in 30 games since then (W13, D11). Notably, each of those six defeats, including against Romania on Monday, saw Ukraine concede first, and in four of the six they ended up being beaten 'to nil', emphasising how important getting the first goal is for both sides here.

Where to watch?

📺 Slovakia vs Ukraine Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Veteran midfielder Juraj Kucka was one of Slovakia's key threats in qualifying with four goal involvements (G2, A2), and it was his saved shot which fell to Ivan Schranz for their goal against Belgium. Ukraine full-back Yukhym Konoplya has committed four fouls across their last two games and been booked in each, with both cautions coming after the hour-mark.

⚡ Match Facts: In the four competitive H2Hs since Slovakia became an independent country, only once have both teams scored.

💡 Prediction: Slovakia's defensive solidity and Ukraine's struggles after conceding the first goal make this an intriguing tactical battle. Slovakia's opening win against Belgium was a massive upset, but they showed their ability to grind out results under Calzona. Ukraine, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Romania. The key for both teams will be scoring first, as the stats suggest that could prove decisive.

Betting tips: Back Slovakia to keep a clean sheet or consider Under 2.5 goals, as the historical head-to-head record suggests a low-scoring affair. Juraj Kucka's goalscoring threat from midfield also makes him an interesting anytime goalscorer option.