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Slovakia and Ukraine meet for the second match of the group stages. Group E is off to an interesting start as Slovakia upset group-favorite Belgium in the opener. It is now time to continue our 2024 Euros odds series with a Slovakia-Ukraine prediction and pick.
Nobody saw it coming, but Slovakia took down Belgium 1-0 this past Monday morning. Belgium attempted 16 shots with five on goal, yet none went into the back of the net. Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had five saves to help lead the way. Ivan Schranz scored the lone goal for The Falcons. They now have three points and a win assures them into the next round if they take down Ukraine. Slovakia is now No. 48 in the FIFA rankings.
Ukraine is coming off a poor performance to Romania. They lost 3-0 and allowed two goals in four minutes. Ukraine was the better team coming in as they are 22nd in the FIFA rankings. Romania is 46th in the world. Ukraine is the better team against Slovakia as well and anything less than three points is a disappointment for The Blue and Yellow. Many aren't aware, but this team has slowly improved over the years. They are a team nobody wants to face when points are on the line.
Here are the 2024 Euros odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
2024 Euros Odds: Slovakia-Ukraine Odds
Slovakia: +280
Ukraine: +105
Draw: +230
Over 2.5 goals: +112
Under 2.5 goals: -136
How to Watch Slovakia vs. Ukraine
Time: 9:00 am ET/6:00 am PT
Stream: (Click Here for Free Trial)
Why Slovakia Will Win
These two countries have not faced since 2018 when Slovakia defeated The Blue and Yellow 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League. Before that, Ukraine got the better of them winning the previous two matches. These squads are much different now but I expect a closer game this time around. Ukraine understands that this is almost a do-or-die match for them to at least earn one point. The Blue and Yellow will be aggressive on the attack to try and sneak in multiple goals. Slovakia is coming off a great win against a very good team but can't get too high because they face another squad looking to make noise in this group. Slovakia allowed a late goal that was then overturned. They were very close from blowing their chance at three points.
This team doesn't really have a legit goal-scoring threat. In their friendlies before the tournament, no one scored more than one goal, however, eight managed to hit the back of the net. That can be a great sign knowing anyone is capable of making a difference. If they can keep up pace on defense and defend as they did against Belgium, I can see The Falcons earning at least a draw against Ukraine, putting the Blue and Yellow in a very tough spot.
Why Ukraine Will Win
Artem Dovbyk led the way with two goals for Ukraine in their friendlies. They will need him to make a difference against Slovakia because if they don't score at least one goal, then they have no shot at earning at least a point. Slovakia isn't going to do anything that scares you, but they have the talent and depth to do just enough to stay in matches. Slovakia more than likely won't score more than one goal, and Ukraine needs to take advantage of that. The more aggressive they are in controlling possession should lead to multiple goals. Slovakia isn't going to be a threat on the counter, but they must find a way to score multiple goals to have it be enough to win. Ukraine will take a draw in this match, but then that would force them to have to beat Belgium in the following match. Ukraine knows what is at stake here.
Even though Ukraine lost to Romania 3-0, they demanded possession 71%-29% and had 13 shots.
Final Slovakia-Ukraine Prediction & Pick
Slovakia has a chance to steal a win and solidify themselves in the KO rounds. However, Ukraine is the better team and is aware that they have no choice but to have a great performance. They need points but a win helps them a ton. Take Ukraine to win in what should be a low-scoring affair.
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Final Slovakia-Ukraine Prediction & Pick: Ukraine (+105), Under 2.5 goals (-136)
