Free European Cup Pick: Ukraine vs. North Macedonia Preview
Looking for Ukraine vs North Macedonia free picks and a matchup preview? (2021) 2020 European Cup football betting sees Ukraine taking on North Macedonia on Thursday, June 17th, at Arena Nationala, Bucharest, Romania. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all European Cup football matchups all tournament long so stay tuned. Keep checking back for more European Cup tips like this Ukraine vs. North Macedonia predictions blog post!
2020 European Cup Football Handicapping
Ukraine vs North Macedonia Preview
Date: Thursday, June 17th
Time: 9:00AM ET
Venue: Arena Nationala, Bucharest, Romania
EURO 2020 Moneyline Odds: -147/+270/+501
EURO 2020 Spread Betting Odds: Ukraine -0.75
EURO 2020 Betting Total: 2.5
Two teams that started the EURO with tough losses will now lock horns on Thursday, when Ukraine will clash against North Macedonia in Round 2. Ukraine almost pulled an upset against the Netherlands but a late goal left them with no points.
North Macedonia were not very good either, and suffered a tough loss against Austria.
Ukraine
France picked up where they left off in the 2020 EURO Qualifiers, where they finished at the top of the group (8 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw), scoring 25 goals and conceding 6 in the process.
Ukraine could have easily grabbed a point in their match against the Netherlands, but a late goal deprived them of the chance. They used a 4-1-4-1 formation with Yaremchuk up front, Yarmolenko and Zubkov at the flanks and Manchester City’s Zinchenko as a holding midfielder.
After a goal-less first half, the Netherlands scored twice in a 6-minute span (52nd with Wijnaldum and 58th with Weghorst). However, Ukraine did not stop fighting and managed to pull even with two goals in a 4-minute span (75th with Yarmolenko and 79th with Yaremchuk). Even so, the Netherlands scored a power header with Dumfries at the 85th minute for the final 3-2 win.
Ukraine had low possession (just 37%) but they did manage to create 8 goal attempts with 5 shots on goal. However, their defense did not work very well, allowing the Netherlands to create 15 scoring chances with 7 shots on goal.
Ukraine now need a win to stay alive, or a draw here and a win against Austria in the final match of the group stage.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia did not make a very good start in their match against Austria, where they conceded an early goal at the 18th minute (Lainer).
However, they took advantage of a soft touch by the opposing goalkeeper, and Goran Pandev pulled even at the 28th minute.
The second half was not much better, where Austria took the lead again at the 78th minute with Gregoritsch, before Arnautovic scored another goal at the 89th minute for the final 3-1. North Macedonia struggled in the second half, and do not have many quality options from the bench.
They created 7 scoring chances but had just 2 shots on goal in that match, and just 40% of ball possession. Oddly enough, they took no corner kicks and their goalkeeper had 4 saves. Moreover, they got just 2 cards, which is weird considering the hot-head nature of many of their players.
Ukraine vs. North Macedonia Prediction:
This is a massive battle between the two bottom-placed teams in the group, as Austria and the Netherlands both have 3 points. Whoever loses this match is probably out of the EUROs, but there is still a chance to qualify as one of the best 3rd-placed teams.
With Austria and the Netherlands playing later in the day, Ukraine and North Macedonia will fight for the win that could push either of the two at the 2nd spot. North Macedonia did not look good on the offense, but they do have 3-4 solid players that can score.
Ukraine should have the upper hand here, so I am taking Ukraine with -0.75, but the Over 2.25 Goals might also be something to consider, as an early goal here could potentially set this match on fire.
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