Two dark horses surprised many to make the last 16 knockout phases in the Euro 2020 meet each other this week. Sweden hosts Ukraine at Glasgow in Hampden Park on Tuesday with kickoff at 10 pm.
Sweden showed their supremacy in the group stages to make the top two finish in their group. In contrast, Ukraine magically managed to progress with three points and a negative goal difference.
First off, Sweden secured their spot in the last 16 for the first time since 2004. It came after snatching a dramatic win over Poland last Wednesday. Afterward, a win over Spain ensured a second spot finish.
Furthermore, the Swede are competing in their sixth successive continental final. In addition, Janne Anderson’s side is currently on an eight-unbeaten streak. The 2018 World Cup quarter-finalists managed to pick seven points in the group stages.
It has been a thrash of new talent with Emile Forsberg with three goals in the competition while youngster Alexander Isak is catching the attention of a multitude.
On the other hand, Ukraine had to wait till the last day of the group stages for confirmation as the fourth-best of the third-placed sides at the end of the group stages.
In addition, Andriy Shevenchenko’s finished behind Netherlands and Austria in Group C. a lot is going on at this moment for Shevenchenko while making history.
Sweden vs. Ukraine Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with Sweden taking one win while Ukraine with two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Sweden 3-2 Poland
- Sweden 1-0 Slovakia
- Spain 0-0 Sweden
- Sweden 3-1 Armenia
- Sweden 2-0 Finland
Away
- Ukraine 0-1 Austria
- Ukraine 2-1 North Macedonia
- Netherlands 3-2 Ukraine
- Ukraine 4-0 Cyprus
- Ukraine 1-0 Northern Ireland
Sweden Team News
Robin Quaison managed to replace a veteran striker Marcus Berg in the last time; thus we might see another attacking trio. Major boosts for the side include the return of Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias Svanberg after getting cleared after COVID-19 infection.
Ukraine Team News
Shenvenchenko might have to struggle with their attacking formation, espeically with duo Viktor Tsyhankov and Oleksandr Zubkov battling with calf injuries. Midfielder maestro Ruslan Malinovskyvi might have to drop to the back three defense. 18-year-old Illia Zabarnyi will get the nod this time out.
Prediction and Odds
Even though Ukraine has a good attacking formation, it is not enough to break through the Swede’s defense.
- Sweden Win
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 2.5
