Slovakia-Ukraine, Rebrov’s men after the heavy and unexpected defeat to Romania are forced to win to avoid getting into trouble.
From Group E so far have come some really resounding results. Ukraine was swept 3-0 by Romania, while Slovakia tripped the heavily favored Belgium for first place, beating Domenico Tedesco’s men 1-0 on their debut. Surprising standings, then, with the Slovaks and Romanians ahead of everyone, still with full points and the others forced to chase.
For the selection led by Serhiy Rebrov this takes on the contours of an inside or outside challenge, because one more false step could seriously jeopardize qualification plans. Zinchenko and his teammates will, first of all, have to be more concrete under goal: the domination of ball possession, against Romania, appeared too much an end in itself. Neither Dovbyk, Liga’s latest top scorer, nor Chelsea’s young talent Mudryk managed to make a difference. Protagonist in the negative, however, was goalkeeper Lunin, author of two red-pencil errors. There was a completely different atmosphere in the Slovakia training camp, which went beyond expectations against Belgium, scoring an unexpected victory. Among the best on the field was Napoli midfielder Lobotka, with Tedesco’s team unable to measure up to him (more than 90 percent pass accuracy).
Slovakia-Ukraine, Sudakov again among the liveliest?
Ukraine on debut disappointed in both defense and offense. Too vulnerable but at the same time lacking in cynicism and unable to build up attractive goal balls for its attackers. Girona bomber Dovbyk, for example, was not properly served.
Bearing in mind that in the challenge with Slovakia it is unlikely that Rebrov’s team will again remain on an empty stomach we quietly put a token on the Pichichi of La Liga, eager to redeem himself and drag his national team to a must win. Ukraine certainly cannot do without the vehemence of Sudakov, a Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder who against Romania was by far among the liveliest, taking four shots, including one on goal. More can also be expected from the two attacking outfielders Tsygankov and Mudryk, who should collect at least two total shots. In Slovakia, on the other hand, watch out for Schranz, author of the winning goal against Belgium, and Kucka, an old acquaintance of Italian soccer (former Parma and Milan). Also not to be underestimated, again in terms of shots, is former Inter player Skriniar, an excellent header on set pieces. Who could receive a yellow card, finally, is Verona’s Slovak midfielder Duda.
Share comparison
Sudakov at least one shot on goal Plus is quoted at 1.60 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.80 on Snai. Duda cautioned Plus instead is quoted at 3.70 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 3.90 on Snai.
