In one of the most stunning upsets in European Championship history, Slovakia (FIFA Rank: #48) triumphed over Belgium with a narrow 1-0 victory in their opening match of Euro 2024. This monumental win has positioned Slovakia favorably in Group E, significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Under the leadership of Francesco Calzona, Slovakia has exhibited remarkable resilience and strategic prowess. Since Calzona’s appointment in August 2022, the team has lost only four out of 19 games, securing ten wins and five draws. Their solid defense, which has been the cornerstone of their recent success, will be crucial once again as they prepare to face Ukraine in Düsseldorf.
Ukraine, on the other hand, experienced a rough start with a 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening game. However, Serhiy Rebrov’s side has a track record of bouncing back quickly. They haven’t suffered consecutive losses since November 2020, and this resilience will be vital as they strive to keep their Euro 2024 campaign alive.
Despite the heavy loss, Ukraine boasts an impressive overall record, having lost just six times in 30 games since their quarter-final run at the last Euros in 2021. Key to their success will be scoring first, as each of their recent defeats has seen them concede the opening goal.
Players to Watch
Veteran Slovakian midfielder Juraj Kucka was instrumental in qualifying with two goals and two assists, and his impact was felt again against Belgium, as his shot led to Ivan Schranz’s decisive goal. For Ukraine, full-back Yukhym Konoplya will need to be cautious, having committed four fouls and received bookings in his last two games, both coming after the hour mark.
Hot Stat
In the four competitive head-to-heads since Slovakia’s independence, only once have both teams found the back of the net.
Prediction
Given Slovakia’s solid defensive form and Ukraine’s need to recover quickly from their opening defeat, this match promises to be a tightly contested affair. A 1-1 draw seems likely, with both teams having moments of brilliance but ultimately cancelling each other.
Betting Insight
For those looking to add excitement to their Euro 2024 experience, Bangsports.com offers a whopping 33,000,000 jackpot for bettors. This provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with the tournament while potentially winning big. Whether you’re backing Slovakia’s sturdy defense or Ukraine’s ability to bounce back, this is the perfect time to get involved and test your predictive skills.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on this crucial Group E clash. Will Slovakia continue their impressive run under Calzona, or will Ukraine bounce back and keep their hopes alive? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this match will not be missed. Bangsports News covers the UEFA EURO 2024, get connected.