Ukraine vs North Macedonia, UEFA Euro 2020, Today Match Prediction

Ukraine vs North Macedonia Match Prediction & Analysis

Ukraine gave us one of the games of the tournament so far, pushing the Netherlands all the way to the very end in their 3-2 thriller to open Group C.

Unfortunately, Andriy Shevchenko’s men ended up on the losing side and thus enter this game joint-bottom of the group. However, with N. Macedonia and Austria to follow, the Ukraine will feel that they can grab some points from their two remaining fixtures.

They can take plenty of positives from their game against the Netherlands, for sure.

North Macedonia also suffered defeat from their opening game, holding out against Austria until two late goals deflated what looked like a solid team performance.

The Red Lynxes are the lowest ranked team in the tournament, and are once again underdogs here.

It’s likely that the team that loses this one will go on to be eliminated from the competition, so there is plenty of pressure.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ukraine Preview

World Ranking: 24

Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Group Stage

Predicted Finish This Year: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Gave great account of themselves against the Netherlands

     Won their last two meetings against N. Macedonia without conceding

Reasons to be fearful:

     Defeat here would leave them facing elimination

     Only won two of their last six games in all competitions

Ukraine announced themselves as one of the surprise packages of the tournament by scoring twice against the Netherlands in their opening game, and will perhaps consider themselves unlucky to come away with nothing.

Former legend Shevchenko will have pleased with what he saw from his group of players, and will feel confident that they can pick up some points against lesser opposition here.

Forwards Yarmolenko and Yaremchuk both scored, with their direct style of play likely to cause more problems here.

They need to be wary at the back of course. North Macedonia may be the lowest ranked team in the world, but they can cause problems on the counter.

Star Man – Andriy Yarmolenko

The West Ham winger only played 21 games for his club this season, but was in fine form for his country here. His quality left foot can help Ukraine progress.

North Macedonia Preview

World Ranking: 62

Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Debut

Predicted Finish This Year: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Showed solidity against Austria until late

     Failed to score in just one of last 16 matches

Reasons to be fearful:

     Defeat here could prove fatal

     Ukraine have the edge in the final third

North Macedonia gave a remarkably good account of themselves in their Group C opener against Austria, although suffered a collapse during the last 12 minutes and ended up losing 3-1.

Veteran striker Gordan Pandev scored his first goal at a major tournament, 20 years after making his international debut and on the whole, and coach Angelovski will have been proud of his team’s efforts.

They remain favourites to finish bottom of Group C, unless they can cause a shock and win one of their last two games, but that won’t stop them trying. They are likely to field the same team once more here.

Star Man – Goran Pandev

Became the second-oldest scorer in Euros history with his goal against Austria. Can he fire them to glory here?