The two losers in Group C's opening games will meet in matchday two, as Ukraine takes on North Macedonia in Bucharest.
Ukraine went toe-to-toe with the Netherlands only to fall 3-2 after leveling it up, while North Macedonia made their major tournament debut with a 3-1 loss to Austria.
Can either of these two sides take all three points and keep their Euro journey alive? Check out our tips and predictions for Ukraine vs. North Macedonia.
Ukraine vs North Macedonia game info
• Location: Arena Na?ional?, Bucharest, Romania
• Date: Thursday, June 17, 2021
• Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, TSN 1/3
Ukraine vs North Macedonia betting tips
- Ukraine (-138)
- Over 2.5 (+110)
Read on for complete analysis
Ukraine vs North Macedonia odds
Ukraine: -138
North Macedonia: +400
Draw: +260
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: +110
Under 2.5: -138
Odds as of June 16, 2021, at 5:20 p.m. ET.
Euro 2020 sharp money and line movement report
By Patrick EversonThis moneyline didn't see any movement until literally just a handful of hours before match time at TwinSpires Sportsbook. Ukraine opened as -136 chalk, with North Macedonia a +430 underdog and Draw +260, and the moneyline finally moved a few cents late Wednesday night, to Ukraine -143/North Macedonia +450/Draw +275, where the price remains at 1:30 a.m. ET Thursday. The Ukraine side is taking 56 percent of tickets and 62 percent of dollars, North Macedonia is drawing 22 percent of tickets and cash, and Draw is landing 22 percent of bets/16 percent of money. The total is at 2.5 (Under -130), with 54 percent of tickets on the Over and 75 percent of money on the Under.
Ukraine vs North Macedonia betting preview
Weather
Ukraine and North Macedonia will see stormy conditions in Bucharest on Thursday, with thunderstorms and a 75 percent chance of precipitation, while temperatures are expected to be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key injuries
Ukraine: No injuries to report.
North Macedonia: No injuries to report.
Ukraine vs North Macedonia matchup
| Ukraine | North Macedonia | |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | World Ranking | 62 |
| 2 | Goals For | 1 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 3-2 loss vs. Netherlands | Previous Game | 3-1 loss vs. Austria |
| Roman Yaremchuk | Player to Watch | Ezgjan Alioski |
Ukraine vs North Macedonia predictions
Moneyline pick
One of the headlining games in the first matchday of the group stage delivered, with Ukraine falling to the Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling match. Ukraine entered the tournament with a reputation for playing an expansive style and they did just that in coming up short in Amsterdam.
While Ukraine ultimately couldn't hold onto what would have been a superb 2-2 draw, they now have the most challenging group game behind them and could take six points from their last two group stage games. That starts on Thursday against a North Macedonia team that performed admirably against Austria in their major tournament debut.
While North Macedonia can take pride in not completely sitting back and absorbing pressure against Austria, as we've seen other heavy underdogs do in the tournament, they didn't create much at all when they went forward. Their lone goal came from a comical series of mistakes from Austria and, despite that goal, they finished with an xG of just 0.78.
Just as North Macedonia was outclassed by a good-not-great Austria side, Ukraine has more than enough talent to get by in this one.
PREDICTION: Ukraine (-138)
Over/Under pick
After Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko took over as manager of the national team, he began to evolve the team into a more attacking, expansive side. That development worked quickly, as they averaged over two goals per game in Euro qualifying and won their group, taking four of a possible six points off Portugal in the process.
Those two matches against Portugal, as well as a draw earned in Paris in a World Cup qualifier against France this year, signaled another development for Ukraine. After cruising through the majority of qualifying with a three-man backline and strong attacking intent, they played a deeper, more defensive squad with a five-man backline, giving them different options depending on the level of opposition.
The five-man backline returned against the Netherlands, and despite sitting deeper, Ukraine showed off their attacking talent in a two-goal performance. Against North Macedonia, we should see them go back to a three-man backline and play much higher up the field.
With greater emphasis on attack, we should see another high-scoring game for Ukraine.
PREDICTION: Over 2.5 (+110)
Picks made on 6/16/2021 at 5:35 p.m. ET
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