These teams played in the group at Euro 2024 where the Ukraine national team had total bad luck. For the first time in the history of the European Championship, all teams in the group scored the same number of points. But it was the Ukrainians who were eliminated from the tournament due to the worst goal difference. But in the face-to-face encounter, the teams played to a nil-nil draw.
In general, the teams have not crossed paths again in their history. However, most bookmakers making today prediction soccer on this match consider Belgium as the favourite. There are enough objective reasons for such predictions. But does it mean that Belgium will easily take the victory in the two-match confrontation? Extremely unlikely. The analysts of xGscore.io are also ready to share their predictions for this match.
How will the change of coach affect Belgium
Many bookmakers formed a prediction for the correct score one of the chances for Ukraine saw the presence of Domenico Tedesco on the bench as the head coach of Belgium. The constant heckling, fights with Thibaut Courtois, and difficulties in the locker room made many say that in the Tedesco-Rebrov confrontation, the latter would win.
But after the appointment of Rudi Garcia, one of the best goalkeepers in the World returned to the national team. Of course, apart from Courtois, the Belgian team has top players in every link. Particularly worth highlighting:
- De Bruyne;
- Trossard;
- Lukaku;
- Doku;
- de Ketelaere.
That said, Castagne and Openda will be unavailable for the first match. But there is plenty to replace them. It seems that Belgium should win easily. But Ukraine will also have its chances and opportunities.
Problems in Ukraine’s line-up
Serhiy Rebrov called up his best players for the match. An unexpected injury to Portsmouth’s newcomer (and defensive leader) Maksym Talovierov forced him to call up Svatok from the USA. In general, the team has good and quality players in the top championships. In the goalkeeper position, in addition to Benfica keeper Trubin, Courtois’ rival at Real Lunin can play. In defense, there is a stable pair of Zabarniy and Matvienko.
On the left side, Mykolenko returned in excellent form. In the center of the field, there is a choice from Zinchenko, Sudakov, Shaparenko, and ending with Malinovskiy. In attack, Dovbyk and Yaremchuk usually cover each other from bad matches.
The main problem will be the right defender and left winger. In the first case, Tymchyk’s injury makes us assume the appearance of young Sych. There is no quality replacement for the left winger with Mudryk absent. But Rebrov is an experienced coach and will be able to find an option.
Unfortunately, Ukraine has been badly stormed in the Nations League. Until the last in an equal group they were fighting for survival, but in the end, they will be able to go even higher. The Ukrainians can be patient and achieve the desired results. Moreover, they know how to defend compactly and have beaten top national teams (Spain, Portugal, a draw with France). And all these teams are stronger than Belgium.
Match prediction
Belgium can both easily beat Ukraine and fail. The result will be clear after the first game and whoever can tip the scales in their favor will take the place in Division A. So far, Belgium looks more favorable. But the match is unlikely to end in a rout. Therefore, our assumption is a minimal victory of the Belgians and possibly 1:0. But Ukraine will do everything to make this prediction unrealistic. Let’s see how they will manage to achieve it.