The 2024 Euros keeps on giving and today is no different as Slovakia and Ukraine prepare to face each other at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf. A loss or draw will see Ukraine’s time at the tournament come to an end while a win for Slovakia will see them join Germany and Spain in the round of 16. Poland and Austria will know the importance of this fixture after both teams fell to defeat in the first round. This is a must-win game for either team.
Here are SBN’s tips and predictions for today’s matches!
43/20 Slovakia | Draw 22/10 | Ukraine 5/4 (15:00)
Slovakia is one game away from earning a spot in the round of 16 after an unforgettable 1-0 victory over Belgium in their opening game. In the last meeting, Slovakia walked all over Ukraine in a 4-1 demolition. Francesco Calzona will demand the same intensity and desire to win from his men as Ukraine will come out and play on the front foot from the first whistle. Ukraine was hit with a shot of reality after they went down 3-0 to Romania in their opening game and if they have any hopes of advancing into the next round then this is a must-win fixture. Mykhaylo Mudryk and Artem Dovbyk will be players to keep an eye on as they could prove the difference in this fixture for Ukraine. With so much riding on this fixture for both teams, BTTS is the way to go.
11/4 Poland | Draw 47/20 | Austria 1/1 (18:00)
Poland was without their talisman Robert Lewandowski in the first game against the Netherlands where they lost 2-1 but showed there is another dimension to their game and can still compete with or without their star striker. Concentration and discipline will be key to their success in this fixture. In the last five meetings with Austria, Poland has won 3 and drawn 2, this record will be a source of motivation and a reminder of their capabilities to go out and snatch the win. Austria went toe-to-toe with France in the first game but an own goal by Maximilian Wober was the reason they narrowly lost the game. Ralf Rangnick’s tactical acumen and style of play has suited Austria, possession-based football and pressing high have been their trademark which could potentially play in their favour in this must-win fixture. BTTS and over 1.5 goals.
Written Marc Strydom.