Ukraine vs. North Macedonia Prediction: Euro 2020 Betting Odds

Jeremy Perry
June 15, 2021

Neither Ukraine or North Macedonia were able to kick off their Euro 2020 tournaments on the right foot as both suffered losses in their first games. However, that is to be expected as both of these teams are predicted to finish in the bottom two spots in their group. It doesn’t have to end that way, though, as one of these teams can make a move in this contest. Which side will be able to bounce back and keep their hopes alive?

Ukraine is a -179 favourite to win on the soccer odds, with North Macedonia a +475 underdog. A draw is at +282.

Ukraine vs. North Macedonia Odds

Neither of these teams are offensive juggernauts, so it’s not surprising to the the Under 2.5 goals favoured at -132, while the Over is +100. Ukraine’s odds to win increase to -476 on ‘draw no bet’, with North Macedonia at +295. At +540, Ukraine’s Roman Yarebchuk is the favourite to score the game’s first goal. He’s also a +175 favourite to score anytime in the game. The favoured exact result in the game is a 1-0 Ukraine win at +400.

Ukraine

Ukraine had arguably the toughest opening matchup in their first game, taking on the predicted favourites of their group in the Netherlands. Now they go to take on the smallest nation in tournament history in North Macedonia. Ukraine didn’t seem like they were entirely comfortable against the Netherlands early on, making far too many mental mistakes and not playing with any confidence. In second half, after they fell behind by two goals, they suddenly started playing like they had nothing to lose.

If Ukraine wants to avoid losing two straight games, they need to play with the same exact level of urgency. When this team plays with confidence and chooses to attack throughout the game, they are a pretty dangerous squad to face off against. They will, however, need to do it without Viktor Tsygankov. He had a slight mishap with his calf that may keep him out of the starting lineup. If Ukraine wants any chance of getting out of the group, they have to win this game and win it handily.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia may have lost their opening game against Austria 3-1, but they sure did impress the crowd. Austria is a better team, but North Macedonia gave them a tough battle. North Macedonia didn’t start their first game off well – just like Ukraine – but once they knocked in their first goal, it looked like the burden was off. They began attacking every chance they got, which is the exact same strategy that Ukraine began to play with after falling behind early on. North Macedonia played hard and fast throughout the game despite coming away with a loss, though it should give them some more confidence moving forward.

The only clear issue that they had against Austria was their stamina. By the 70-minute mark they began to slow down a little bit and their players on the field didn’t look they had much left in the tank. That’s exactly why Austria was able to bank in two goals in the final few minutes to leave with the win.

This game is another tall task for North Macedonia. They’ll probably fight valiantly but they’re simply not as talented, so they’re likely to take another loss.