Kick-off: 1400, 17/06/2021
Stadium: Arena Nationala
TV: ITV
Ukraine and North Macedonia both tasted defeat in their opening Euro 2020 games but the blue and yellows look better equipped to bounce back.
They gave Netherlands a scare in Amsterdam before going down 3-2 while the Lynxes appeared a touch naive in their 3-1 loss to Austria at this venue.
We’re going with the favourites to oblige and over 2.5 goals in the game at 17/10 for our first Ukraine vs North Macedonia prediction.
A Look At Ukraine’s Betting Odds
Following a lively but goalless first half at Johan Cruyff Arena, Ukraine’s clash with the Dutch exploded in the second period.
Holland looked in control after Georginio Wijnaldum and Wout Weghorst netted but Andriy Yarmolenko’s stunning strike and a fine Roman Yaremchuk header levelled things up.
Unfortunately for the blue and yellows, Denzel Dumfries nodded in a late decider to leave them empty handed.
Andriy Shevchenko tried to put a positive slant on that performance, praising his team for their fightback.
The head coach said: “It was a very quick and interesting game with loads of opportunities for both teams.”
Ukraine had been unbeaten in six previous outings this year, starting with a 1-1 draw versus France and ending with a 4-0 warm-up win over Cyprus.
That form should see them prove too strong here, although keeper Georgiy Bushchan had a mixed night versus Holland, pulling off some excellent saves but faltering for a couple of goals.
Looking at the Ukraine vs North Macedonia odds, that pushes us towards 3/1 for Shevchenko’s team to prevail and both sides to score.
A Look At North Macedonia’s Betting Odds
North Macedonia are the lowest-ranked team at Euro 2020 and that showed at times against Austria.
Talismanic striker Goran Pandev pounced on a defensive error to cancel out Stefan Lainer’s opener, giving the 37-year-old his 38th goal from 120 caps.
However, Austria looked dangerous every time they crossed the ball into the box and Michael Gregoritsch restored their lead before Marko Arnautovic wrapped up victory in the closing stages.
The Lynxes, who stunned Germany with a 2-1 World Cup win in March, couldn’t be faulted for effort, though, and were roared on by a superb support.
“I cannot describe the atmosphere our fans gave us and I’m sorry we couldn’t respond with a more positive result,” said Igor Angelovski. “I hope we will make them happy in the next game.”
Those supporters deserve another consolation goal at least, so 15/2 for a 2-1 scoreline in favour of the blue and yellows completes our Ukraine vs North Macedonia betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
Netherlands 3-2 UKRAINE – Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk
Austria 3-1 NORTH MACEDONIA – Pandev
Head-to-head: N Macedonia 0-2 Ukraine, Ukraine 1-0 N Macedonia, N Macedonia 1-0 Ukraine
Join bwin today and receive up to £20 money back as a FreeBet if your first wager (3+ selections at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater) is a loser! Terms and conditions apply.
