Kick-off: 2000, 29/06/2021
Stadium: Hampden
TV: BBC One
In what is generally regarded as the weakest of the Euro 2020 last-16 ties, a tight tussle is expected between Sweden and Ukraine.
However, slight preference is for the Scandinavians, who beat Switzerland at this point in the 2018 World Cup and impressed more during the group stage of this event.
We’re siding with Janne Andersson’s team at 27/20 to win in normal time for our first Sweden vs Ukraine prediction.
A Look At Sweden’s Betting Odds
Sweden arrived at this tournament on a five-match winning run and battled bravely to hold Spain to a goalless draw.
Slovakia were then edged out 1-0 before a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Poland saw them pip La Roja to top spot in Group E.
“It’s a fantastic thing we won the group,” Andersson said. “We won the group at the World Cup and we’re really happy we’ve done it again.
“I’m happy with the team effort. They are warriors. They fought for 90 minutes in this game and I’m really happy with it.
“They are fantastic players and the way they sacrificed themselves for each other – the team as a whole deserves all the praise they get.
“Now we get a few more days’ rest than we would have done otherwise. It’s a fantastic feeling.”
Real Sociedad starlet Alexander Isak, La Liga’s young player of the year last term, has shone up front alongside wily old veteran Marcus Berg.
But RB Leipzig forward Emil Forsberg has scored three of their four goals and Andersson added: “He fights and keeps on going and makes the difference for us.”
Looking at the Sweden vs Ukraine odds, penalty taker Forsberg has to be fancied at 7/1 to break the deadlock.
A Look At Ukraine’s Betting Odds
Ukraine were unbeaten in six outings this year, including a 1-1 World Cup draw with France, before being shaded 3-2 by Netherlands in an Amsterdam classic.
Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk netted in that match and were on target again in a 2-1 triumph over North Macedonia.
At that point, Ukraine looked dark horses to go deep into the competition but they were outplayed by Austria in a 1-0 loss which should have been far more comprehensive on the scoreboard.
Boss Andriy Shevchenko said: “I think we physically were not ready. It is always difficult for us to play three games in such a short period of time.
“We had a lot of unforced errors. We were late everywhere. We weren’t ready.
“In spite of that, the team was still fighting until the end and I’m happy my team didn’t lose spirit.
“They kept believing and that is the only optimistic moment if you analyse the game.”
An eight-day break should allow Ukraine to regroup and refresh their troops but a lack of big-match experience may count against them.
Let’s add 11/4 for the Scandinavians to oblige by any one-goal margin to our Sweden vs Ukraine betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
SWEDEN 3-2 Poland – Forsberg (2), Claesson
UKRAINE 0-1 Austria
Head-to-head: Ukraine 2-1 Sweden, Ukraine 0-1 Sweden, Sweden 4-5 Ukraine
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