Andrew Todos’ Netherlands v Ukraine preview: Ukraine to keep it tight and play on counter

Our Matchday Squad journalist will be covering Ukraine throughout Euro 2020

Ukraine will likely be taking a pragmatic approach against the Netherlands, keeping in mind how crucial a positive opening result is for the team’s morale. Expect an organised defensive display with Ukraine looking to play on the counter.

Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, who plays as a box to box midfielder for Ukraine will be pivotal in dictating the pace of play, whilst also aiming to be one of the side’s prominent creative outlets. Malinovskyi, alongside him, will be looking to take on some attacking responsibility, in the form of long distance shots and set pieces.

Shevchenko’s men will be a bit more reserved in contrast to their usual attack minded approach. Typically, they aim to pass it out from the back and build up patiently through the middle. But in this game it can be expected that ‘Zbirna’ will hold off more, ‘parking the bus’ per se then try to play on the break.

Oleksandr Tymchyk and Viktor Tsyhankov have had minor injury issues recently – they may well be fit to feature as subs against The Netherlands. Ukraine have drawn 4 of their 6 games 1-1 in 2021. A repeat score line would not be a surprise.

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