Slovakia vs Ukraine Odds
| Slovakia Odds | +270 |
| Ukraine Odds | +110 |
| Draw | +230 |
| Over / Under | 2.5 +110o / -138u |
Slovakia will face Ukraine on Matchday 2 in Group E.
Slovakia is coming off a shocking upset against Belgium, leaving many naysayers, including myself, scratching their heads, as Slovakia was considered one of the weaker teams in the tournament.
On the other hand, Ukraine finds itself in a must-win situation after a 3-0 loss to Romania.
This match carries significant implications for both teams, transforming what might appear to be an ordinary fixture into a high-stakes event.
Let's dive into my Slovakia vs. Ukraine preview.
Slovakia
Slovakia is coming off one of the biggest underdog upsets in a group stage match in quite some time, leaving many bettors optimistic they could be the dark horse of the tournament.
I don’t want to take away from Slovakia's performance, but just about everything that could have gone right for them did. For a decent portion of the match, Belgium looked threatening and had great opportunities to score. However, poor mistakes and carelessness allowed Slovakia to capitalize on those chances.
Slovakia certainly doesn’t have the star power to overwhelm you on paper, but it is a very solid team. They finished second in their Euro Qualifiers group behind Portugal, minimizing critical mistakes that likely contributed to their balanced goal difference, showing that major defensive or offensive errors were not prevalent.
Ukraine
To the untrained eye, Ukraine may appear to be just another country fortunate enough to have qualified for this tournament. However, they actually pack quite a punch, especially offensively.
Artem Dovbyk, Ukraine’s prolific striker, causes all sorts of trouble for every defense he faces with his physical presence, consistency and goal-scoring prowess. His consistent record of scoring goals boosts his confidence and sharpness on the international stage. He has shown a knack for scoring crucial goals in important matches for Ukraine, including a memorable last-minute winner in extra time against Sweden at Euro 2020.
Mykhailo Mudryk, Ukraine’s explosive winger, is considered one of the brightest young talents in Europe. Despite criticism for his on-field output that doesn’t seem to justify his price tag from Chelsea, his potential for growth and development means he can elevate his game even further, providing a dynamic edge to Ukraine’s attack. His move to Chelsea FC in the Premier League underscores his quality and the high expectations placed on him. Competing in one of the top leagues in the world sharpens his skills and experience, which benefits the national team.
With Dovbyk and Mudryk in the lineup, Ukraine can employ multiple attacking strategies — from direct, fast-paced counterattacks to more controlled, possession-based approaches — giving Ukraine a clear upper hand in tactical flexibility.
Slovakia vs Ukraine
Prediction
Slovakia’s defense, often disciplined but less agile, can be stretched and broken down by Mudryk’s speed and dribbling. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and make penetrating runs can create scoring opportunities or force Slovakia into defensive errors. Ukraine’s attacking metrics, driven by the likes of Dovbyk and Mudryk, show a more prolific and dynamic offensive approach compared to Slovakia.
Ukraine’s ability to adapt its playing style and exploit Slovakia’s defensive weaknesses, particularly through pace and aerial duels, gives them a strategic edge.
Pick: Ukraine Moneyline (+110 via DraftKings)
