Ukraine vs Belgium Predictions

• Ukraine haven’t impressed across their two group games
• Belgium bounced back with a solid win over Romania
• De Bruyne has a joint-high eight shots for Belgium at this tournament
• Ukraine have struggled at the back, conceding four times in two games

Showdown for group favourites

Heading into the tournament, Belgium and Ukraine were seen as the favourites to progress from this group. However, they head into their final group clash in Stuttgart knowing that it’s unlikely that both teams will make the last 16.

Thanks to the pair suffering shock opening game defeats, all four sides in Group E are level on three points. Ukraine have the worst goal difference of any of the four sides, so anything less than a win likely sends them home. While Belgium are in a stronger position, the REd Devils were expected to win the group so the pressure is on them to secure all three points.

With that, the stage is set for effectively a playoff between these two sides.

Poor start for Ukraine

Ukraine did turn things around against Slovakia last time out, but they’ve struggled early in this group. A 3-0 defeat at the hands of Romania has dented their chances of progressing, while they needed a second-half turnaround after falling 1-0 down to Slovakia.

Ukraine benefitted from Slovakia’s nerves in their second game, which allowed them to strike late and secure a win. However, their performances haven’t been great. While there’s little doubt about the quality in the team, we’ve set to see them truly dominate a game.

With Ukraine heading into their toughest test of the group, the nature of their performances are a concern.

Belgium can edge crucial clash

While Ukraine have struggled through two games, Belgium have been much better. They created chances against Slovakia, their performance was just missing some better fortune in the final third, with two goals chalked off through VAR.

Belgium made a brilliant start against Romania, racing into an early lead. They went on to claim a 2-0 win, with Kevin De Bruyne adding their second. The Man City man seems to be playing a more direct role than at City, acting as more of a finisher than a creator. He has matched Lukaku’s tally of eight shots at the tournament so far and given that he’s outscored the Chelsea loanee, De Bruyne looks like the standout goalscorer option.

Belgium were comfortable winners in both warm-up friendlies and having bounced back from their shock loss to Slovakia, they’re worthy favourites in this clash. Their price still offers some value against a Ukrainian side who will be forced to overcommit due to their position in the group. Given how Ukraine have looked so far, take Belgium to record a straightforward win.