Last Updated on June 29, 2021 10:17 am by
This Tuesday, June 29 at 14:00 E.T, the national teams of Sweden and Ukraine meet for the first time since 2012 in the round of 16 of UEFA EURO 2020 at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Their last match is one of the fond memories for current Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko. Sweden is on a high after topping a very competitive group. A goalless draw against Spain and a 1-0 win over Slovakia highlighted their defensive solidity. While the Ukrainian side was outplayed by the Netherlands but came close to a point, looked in control against North Macedonia yet nearly let a two-goal lead slip away, and then slipped to third place in defeat to Austria. This match can be enjoyed at DIRECTV Sports.
Now let’s review 5 important facts before Tuesday’s duel:
- Shevchenko scored both goals in his team’s first EURO finals match to help Ukraine overcome Sweden nine years ago.
- The winner of the tie will meet either England or Germany in the quarterfinals in Rome on July 3.
- Sweden is competing in its sixth straight EURO finals, and it’s seventh overall. The Swedes have not advanced beyond the group stage since reaching the quarterfinals at the UEFA EURO 2004 finals.
- Having never participated in an edition of the UEFA European Championship before co-hosting the 2012 edition with Poland, this is Ukraine’s third consecutive appearance at the finals of the tournament.
- Ukraine has won its only penalty shootout in an official match, while Sweden has a record of one win and one loss.
Here’s a look ahead to this afternoon’s clash between Ukraine and Sweden:
Ukraine: This team was one of the third-lowest scorers (3). The team led by Andrei Shevchenko lost to the Netherlands and Austria and managed to win against a Macedonia team that came away empty-handed. However, they are in the round of 16 and will face a team that is not one of the best, and this gives the Ukrainians hope of reaching the quarterfinals. However, Zbirna has a lot of room for improvement, especially defensively, having conceded five goals in the group stage. Sweden gained a lot of popularity in Ukraine on Wednesday, especially Andriy Shevchenko’s side, as their win against Poland helped the Ukrainians into the round of 16, but there is no room for gratitude in Glasgow now. Lessons must be learned if Shevchenko wants to return to his beloved Italy for the quarter-finals, of course, being one-legged ties anything can happen and we will see what level he can show against a Sweden side that has played some good soccer.
Sweden: On the other hand, there is the Swedish team, which can be more than satisfied with its performance in the group stage. Janne Andersson’s team collected 7 points to finish at the top of Group E. They reach the round of 16 after a 3-2 win over Poland in a game of many alternatives that they were finally able to win. They have only lost one of their last 10 matches, which is a reason for excitement for a team that has been one of the great sensations of this tournament. Their round of 16 matches is not very demanding, so it can be said that reaching the quarterfinals is somewhat affordable.
Betting line:
Ukraine: 28.2% (+202) – Goals: 0.98 – Best O/U: o2½+140
Sweden: 44.8% (+131) – Goals: 1.40 – Best O/U: u2½-196
Draw: 27.0% (+195)
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