Ukraine vs Belgium Preview, Prediction, Odds, Betting Tips 26.06.2024

• Date and Time: June 26, 17:00 GMT+1
• Venue: MHP Arena, Stuttgart, Germany

Ukraine vs Belgium Preview

Ukraine

For the first time in the European Championships’ history, four teams have three points after two rounds. In Group E, each team can take first or last place.

The situation in the table is most difficult for Ukraine because Rebrov’s squad can’t afford to lose. Even a draw against Belgium may not be enough for them to reach the next stage due to their poor goal difference.

Talk about being finely poised in Group E!

All four teams on three points heading into the last game! #BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/nHZTjAorDm

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2024

If Slovakia and Romania draw, Ukraine will only need a win over Belgium to advance. However, given the quality of play the Ukrainians have shown in previous games, this seems unlikely.

Ukraine secured hard-fought victories over Bosnia and Iceland in the EURO 2024 qualification play-offs, mainly due to the individual class of their talented young players.

The Ukrainians played with a minimal set of attacking ideas against opponents that had a low defensive block capable of protecting the flanks. This was evident against Romania, who additionally used their scoring chances in quick attacks.

🚨🚨| Romania THRASH Ukraine 3-0 in Group E of #EURO2024 😮‍💨🇷🇴 pic.twitter.com/nl81UfA156

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 17, 2024

Against Slovakia, it seemed like the situation would repeat itself, but Francesco Calzona’s team, after scoring a quick goal, settled into a medium defensive block, defending very narrowly. This allowed the Ukrainians to easily start attacks in their own half of the pitch, actively using width and passes behind the Slovakian defenders.

Belgium

Belgium missed some great opportunities against Slovakia, failing to convert at least two out of their six or seven super chances, which could have secured them a playoff spot. Despite this, they managed to secure a 2-0 victory against Romania, and now they need at least a draw against Ukraine to qualify for the tournament’s next stage.

Belgium is considered one of the most unbalanced teams in the tournament, with a weak defensive line prone to individual errors. On the other hand, Domenico Tedesco’s attacking group is one of the strongest at Euro 2024. When Romelu Lukaku starts capitalizing on his chances, Belgium has the potential to be the most entertaining team in the tournament.

Today’s winners. 👏 #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/57ojXVnWP8

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 24, 2024

Players like Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Timothy Castagne, Leandro Trossard, and Youri Tielemans have shown remarkable effectiveness in pressing and creating chances. They also excelled in quick attacks in the matches against Slovakia and Romania.

Ukraine vs Belgium Head-to-Head Statistics

Ukraine and Belgium’s national teams will be meeting for the first time, making it an intriguing matchup for EURO 2024 betting enthusiasts.

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Ukraine vs Belgium Player Focus

Mykola Shaparenko was undoubtedly Ukraine’s key player in the match against Slovakia. He scored a goal, assisted one, and performed superbly in the final third of the pitch. Shaparenko’s quality is making high-level diagonal passes to the flanks and finding partners in the zone between the lines with passes down low. 

At the same time, Shaparenko is able to enter free zones in the opponent’s half in an unpredictable way. Slovakia clearly failed to control Shaparenko’s active movements on the field, resulting in two goals for Ukraine.

🥇🇺🇦 UEFA Player of the Match for Ukraine vs Slovakia: Mykola Shaparenko. pic.twitter.com/5lizzhJRxe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2024

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku are Belgium’s main stars. In previous matches, there were episodes when these players beat their opponents not only 1v1 but also 1v2. 

De Bruyne can move the ball with his decisive dribbling and varied passes into the penalty area and is all set to score from any position. Doku is incredibly dangerous because of his explosive burst, terrific dribbling on flank-to-center shifts, and passing into striking positions.

The all-decisive one. 🔜 #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/e0mKNQQz6k

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 23, 2024

Both players need a center-forward who can capitalize on their passes. Romelu Lukaku should be that player.

Ukraine vs Belgium Preview, Tactical Analysis

Ukraine needs a win and is unlikely to enter the match with three center-backs. We can expect Serhiy Rebrov to use a 4-2-3-1 formation. Shaparenko plays an important role in the center of the pitch in this formation, along with Mykhaylo Mudryk and Andriy Yarmolenko, who create width on the flanks and operate as playmakers in the half-spaces.

Domenico Tedesco will also likely use a 4-2-3-1 formation, which will be transformed into 4-2-4 during attacks. In the second round against Romania, the Belgians played with excellent width in attack, which Dodi Lukebakio and Jérémy Doku created.

The story continues. 🙏 #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/ffuN2ijnkI

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 23, 2024

Tedesco may use Leandro Trossard’s shifts into the centre to overload Ukraine in the holding zone. However, this would force Doku to play in an uncomfortable position, which Tedesco is unlikely to do in this match.

Ukraine’s main left-back, Vitaliy Mykolenko, has fully recovered from his injury, so it will be interesting to see how Serhiy Rebrov utilizes Oleksandr Zinchenko’s versatility.

Ukraine vs Belgium Prediction

• Football Pick: Belgium to win
• Odds: 1.63 (22Bet)
• Score prediction: Ukraine 1-3 Belgium

Ukraine’s main issue is their defensive play on the right flank, an area that Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne will be eager to exploit. Players like Oleksandr Tymchyk, Illia Zabarnyi, and Mykola Shaparenko might struggle against Belgium’s star players.

Good morning 🤗 pic.twitter.com/tItvS8EtYc

— Ukrainian Association of Football (@uafukraine) June 22, 2024

Our UEFA EURO 2024 prediction suggests that Coach Rebrov may switch to a 5-4-1 formation to strengthen the defense on the right flank. However, this raises the question of who Ukraine’s third center-back could be and how capable he would be against Lukaku.

It’s unlikely that the Ukrainians will be able to handle the Belgians’ strong pressing and attacking play in this crucial final match of the group stage.

Ukraine vs Belgium Prediction, Betting Tip

• Football Pick: 2X And TO 1.5
• Odds: 1.45 (22Bet)

As mentioned before, Belgium’s weak defensive line seemed uncertain against Romania and Slovakia. 

🇺🇦🔵🟡 pic.twitter.com/6nzmqoqkWF

— Ukrainian Association of Football (@uafukraine) June 21, 2024

The Ukrainian team can quickly counterattack, especially with Mykhaylo Mudryk’s ability to create significant problems for the opponent’s defense. Additionally, Rebrov can utilize Artem Dovbyk or Roman Yaremchuk, who are also very effective on the counterattack.

Belgium has a stronger attack, so they may not lose this match, but a shootout could still occur.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all UEFA EURO 2024 predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.

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