Ukraine vs Belgium Preview
Euro 2024 continues this week with the last games of the group stage. Most groups have a clear leader and fight for second, except for Group E. All four teams are level on three points after two games, making this round the decider. Belgium must win to avoid a shocking end to a golden generation.
So far, Belgium has been on the wrong side of VAR. Romelu Lukaku could be the tournament’s top goal scorer after two matches, instead, he has zero after having a hat trick of goals disallowed. Ukraine looked like a fish out of water in the first game against Romania, suffering a 3-0 embarrassment. However, their spirit was strong and they bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Slovakia.
Ukraine vs Belgium Predictions
Prediction: Ukraine 1-3 Belgium
Our prediction for this decisive Euro 2024 game is for Belgium to find their form against the Ukrainians. Belgium started this tournament on the back foot with a surprise defeat to Slovakia. They were unlucky not to get off the mark on round one, but look much more dangerous after a classy performance against Romania. We predict a 3-1 victory for Belgium as they control the game from start to finish.
Ukraine secured a result against Slovakia, but they started slowly once again. Against Romania, they were behind inside the half-hour mark with a mistake from Andriy Lunin. Manager Serhiy Rebrov dropped Lunin in the next game, but replacement goalie Trubin will feel he could have done better to keep out Slovakia. Still, the Benfica goalkeeper had a sensational game, but that Ukrainian backline has looked vulnerable from day one.
It would be a real shock if Belgium conceded the first goal. Instead, it’s far more likely Ukraine’s defence will let them down with another poor performance. Our Euro 2024 prediction is for Belgium to score two before Ukraine can reply late in the second half. As the men in yellow and blue close in on an equaliser, Belgium will take advantage of the gaps behind and see out a nervy group stage performance.
Anyone betting on the outright winner of Euro 2024 should avoid Belgium this year. There are signs that the team has recovered from a disastrous start. However, they have yet to face a dangerous team. Ukraine has some talented players, but it will take one heck of a performance to get three points from this game. The best they can hope for is a draw, which should be enough for qualification.
We predict at least one goal within the first 45 minutes scored by Belgium. Players like Lukaku have been unlucky not to get off the mark already, and the woeful Ukrainian defensive structure will give the opposition plenty of chances. Betting on Lukaku to get on the board without VAR intervening feels like a strong option. We also expect Kevin De Bruyne to dominate this game in the midfield, putting in dangerous passes and having a long-range effort or two at goal. Betting on the Manchester City man to register at least one assist could help anyone using the bet builder.
Ukraine vs Belgium Betting Tips
Betting on the Euros so far has been incredibly difficult for Belgium fans. After a poor start, expectations were low when they faced Romania. However, it looks like head coach Domenico Tedesco has found a more reliable starting 11 after making four changes to his team for the second week. We expect Belgium will maintain most of the new players, giving them a considerable edge on our online betting site.
Anyone betting on Belgium to win the final group game can secure odds worth 8/11. That is because of the positive changes manager Tedesco made, and fans and punters expect Belgium to kick on now. Ukraine are the underdogs by quite some margin, with odds worth 4/1. That means any amount you stake on the Ukrainians would return four times over. A €10 bet on Belgium gives you €17.20 and the same bet on the underdog is worth €50.
Given the four teams in Group E are level, a draw could be on the cards. Priced at 10/3, a draw is statistically more likely than a Ukrainian victory. However, don’t rule them out. If Belgium performs like they did in the first week, this war-torn side has the guts, grit, and determination to win. They often play with no fear, which is difficult for any top European side to stop. However, Belgium has class and experience and should outscore their opponents in this game.
Live betting could be profitable if you are looking at prop bets and various other markets. Waiting until Belgium has scored to back them as winners would only secure far worse returns. Instead, predicting the next goal scorer or the over/under for bookings in the game is a good option. You can also look into betting on the offsides, half-time result, and whether there will be yet another own goal at the Euros. Waiting until the match kicks off is often a smart way to play.
If you are looking to bet on the Euros, Novibet is the place to do it. With hundreds of markets across every game at the tournament, we offer Irish residents a fantastic betting experience. Any new player who signs up can claim a welcome bonus to help them get started. You can use your bonus on any market at the Euros.
Ukraine vs Belgium Key Stats and Head-To-Head
Interestingly, Ukraine vs Belgium has never taken place. That includes the Euros and other major competitions plus international friendlies. This will be the first recorded time the two countries have faced off. That means placing a correct soccer bet will be even more challenging. As we have no reliable data to look back on.
Belgium has been the better team over the past 10-15 years by some margin as they enjoyed somewhat of a golden generation. Most of these players have retired, but the remaining pedigree is still significantly more impressive than Ukraine’s. However, betting on Belgium at this year’s Euros has already proven costly following a shock first-round defeat to Slovakia.
Before that, Belgium was on a 14-game unbeaten streak, including a victory over Germany and a 2-2 draw with England in March. The last defeat Belgium picked up was also a surprise when they lost to Morocco 2-0 at the 2022 World Cup.
Ukraine enters this fixture in mixed form. They have lost one and won one this tournament but have several recent impressive results in the buildup to Euro 2024. They drew 0-0 to Germany and Italy and secured a 1-1 draw to England in September 2023.
Ukraine is certainly not a pushover side and has been a surprise package over the past couple of years. However, expecting them to get a result this weekend is probably one step too far. With every team in the group at three points, they need a miracle to make the knockout stage in Germany.
First win for the @BelRedDevils at #EURO2024!
🇧🇪 Thank you to all Belgian fans in Cologne yesterday for supporting our national football team. #BELROU
On to Wednesday for the match against Ukraine! #WirSchaffenDas pic.twitter.com/ZEAp2j5t3h
— 🇧🇪 Belgium MFA (@BelgiumMFA) June 23, 2024
Ukraine Team News
Ukrainian manager Serhiy Rebrov had no choice but to make changes following an embarrassing 3-0 defeat. He made four changes to the team, taking out Lunin, Konoplia, Tsygankov, and the captain Stepanenko. The changes brought new life into the side as Zinchenko led from the back and Shaparenko dominated the midfield. Mudryk used his pace to great effect and Yarmolenko provided class which is needed in group-stage football. We expect all of Rebrov’s changes to stick as he fields the same 11 this week.
- Predicted Lineup: A. Trubin, O. Tymchyk, I. Zabarnyi, M. Matviyenko, O. Zinchenko, M. Shaparenko, V. Brazhko, A. Yarmolenko, G. Sudakov, M. Mudryk, and A. Dovbyk.
Belgium Team News
Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco also made four changes to his squad after they lost to Slovakia in round one. Veteran centre-back Jan Vertonghen stepped up and made a big difference with Arthur Theate providing support for the left side. Youri Tielemans marked his inclusion with a fabulous goal and Dodi Lukebakio looked sharp. However, Theate went off with 15 minutes to play after picking up an injury and Lukebakio has picked up two yellow cards and will miss this game. We expect Trossard to resume starting duties with Zeno Debast filling in as a left-back.
- Predicted Lineup: K. Casteels, Z. Debast, J. Vertonghen, W. Faes, T. Castagne, A. Onana, Y. Tielmans, L. Trossard, K. De Bruyne, J. Doku, and R. Lukaku.
