Ukraine hasn’t exactly shot the lights in Germany so far; I was really impressed with their last display though. They needed that sort of gutsy performance to remind themselves what they were capable of, and if beating Belgium is something they are thinking about – nothing less will do.
To Win (90 mins)
Ukraine 37/10
Draw 31/10
Belgium 13/20
Ukraine
As I’ve already indicated, Ukraine turned things around in their victory over Slovakia, but their struggles in this group shouldn’t be underestimated. Ukraine benefitted from the passive approach of Slovakia, no, they haven’t been great but the quality on their side shouldn’t be underestimated either.
They have to know that anything less than a win sends them home. Their goal difference is horrible, and this really is their last roll of the dice. To be honest, I like this sort of game for Ukraine, if they get into Belgium’s face and employ their aggressive counter-attacking approach, I think they could find a ton of value.
My only concern though is their defensive frailty…they just don’t give themselves much of a chance when they are incapable of keeping teams out of their final third.
Belgium
Belgium managed to bounce back with a solid win over Romania, and big players like Kevin De Bruyne are starting to show their class and contribute to the nation’s success. Belgium has started to create chances; their physical dominance is starting to become a lot clearer and with a little bit of good fortune upfront (and their engagements with VAR) their picture might have been vastly different.
The reality here is that Belgium has the class and the players to see them through. They have started to show a lot more quality in their game and if they are able to manage the pressure, manage the pace of Ukraine side, and take their chances, I don’t see anything less than a Red Devil win.
Prediction: Belgium (13/20)
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ukraine score in this game, they will definitely create chances and they have the players upfront to convert on those chances, but my biggest issue is their inability to show comprehensive defensive stability.
With that being said, back Belgium to see out this game.