Ukraine entertain North Macedonia in Bucharest on Thursday afternoon.
Euro 2020: Group C
Thursday 17 June
National Arena, Bucharest
To Win Match
Ukraine 13/20
Draw 5/2
North Macedonia 46/10
Ukraine
On paper Ukraine are not drawn into the most daunting group, having to play the Netherlands, North Macedonia and Austria. I think manager Andriy Shevchenko can be confident about getting out of the group – but it should be noted that I am writing this before they play the Netherlands.
Thinking back to the 2016 edition of the Euro, the Ukraine suffered three defeats from three games and failed to get out of the group stages. The side has somewhat changed in thought and deed but their attacking options from then are replicated now in Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka. The difference I feel will be in the balance the squad now boasts between their attack and defence as stated by their manager.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia could easily slip under your betting radar and be relegated as the whipping boys in group C – do so at your peril.
Everyone loves an underdog story and in North Macedonia you have found your hound. The boys from the Balkans secured their participation in this tournament through the play-offs but their resolve and reluctance to see themselves as anything less than deserving to share the stage with the likes of Germany, show why they could be the banana skin in Group C.
For North Macedonia, you get the feeling that tactics and conditioning luck will play second fiddle to pride and an incredible feeling of opportunity.
In their 37-year-old captain, Goran Pandev, they have a leader brimming with unbridled confidence and a real sense of patriotism.
For a country with a little more than two million people, they could be a surprise package in the group stages, and for the punter out there I hope we are on the money when that day comes – and oh it will come!
Prediction: Ukraine (-1) Handicap (7/4)
But I don’t think Thursday is the day for North Macedonia, back Ukraine confidently.
