Football News: Slovakia Eyes Euro 2024 Knockout Stages, Ukraine Seeks Redemption
In a crucial Group E clash at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, Slovakia can take a giant step towards the knockout stages when they face Ukraine, live on talkSPORT 2.
Slovakia Pulls Off Shock Victory
The Falcons pulled off a shock in the first round, edging past world-ranked third Belgium 1-0. Slovakia, ranked 45 places below Belgium, held onto all three points after VAR ruled out two Romelu Lukaku goals.
Ukraine Faces Redemption
Ukraine, on the other hand, are reeling from their demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Romania, which has already left them on the brink of an early exit. Serhiy Rebrov’s team face a Belgian side likely in need of a victory themselves in their third game, so another loss here could be terminal.
Match Details
The Group E encounter will take place on Friday, June 21, with kick-off at the Dusseldorf Arena set for 2pm UK time. talkSPORT 2 will have full coverage of the match, with commentary from Nigel Adderley and former Liverpool Women’s striker Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.
The match will also be shown on free-to-air TV on BBC One.
Team Updates
Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona is unlikely to make many changes from the side that so impressively beat Belgium, with Ondrej Duda, who was substituted with cramp late on, already passed fit to be involved.
Ukraine are set to be boosted by the return of Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko from injury, which would allow Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko to move into the midfield role he often occupies for his country. Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to retain his place despite his costly errors in the defeat to Romania.
“I apologise to my team-mates, my mistake complicated the game. All I can say is sorry and get back up for the next game.” – Andriy Lunin
Calzona was understandably delighted following Slovakia’s victory over much-fancied Belgium, stating:
“It’s a hugely significant win for me on a personal level. I’m chuffed for the lads as well, they’re doing a great job every day and they deserve success such as this. This win is important for me because I can dedicate it to the Slovak people who really supported us from the first whistle to the last.”
Euro 2024 Trophy Odds
The odds to lift the Euro 2024 trophy are as follows:
- England – 10/3
- France – 4/1
- Germany – 9/2
- Portugal – 5/1
- Spain – 6/1
- Netherlands – 14/1
- Italy – 16/1
- Belgium – 25/1
🔗 Source