Slovakia v Ukraine is the first of Friday's matches in Euro 2024 and following that Poland take on Austria and the Netherlands clash with France
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
Slovakia 5/2 Draw 23/10 Ukraine 23/20
Slovakia caused one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far when they beat Belgium 1-0 in their first Group E match. Ivan Schranz needed just 7 minutes to open the scoring for Slovakia and although Lukaku had 2 goals chalked off by VAR for Belgium they held on and another win here will see them through.
Ukraine were trading at around 9/10 to win their opener against Romania but things didn't go to plan and they crashed to a 3-0 defeat. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin had a game to forget as a defensive mix up led to Romania taking a 1-0 lead in the first half and that advantage was doubled in the second period when he failed to keep out a shot from outside the box. Romania sealed the win before the hour mark and with a game against Belgium to come Ukraine have work to do if they are to avoid an early exit.
The Verdict:
Ukraine have some very decent players but they didn't show much in the opening game and they need to regroup and find a result to keep them in the tournament. Slovakia are in dream land after their win over Belgium, they have no need to chase the game but I fancy they will try and hit Ukraine on the break.
I see scope for 10 or more corners here.
Bets: Total corners over 9.5 at even money with Sportingbet
Poland 24/10 Draw 24/10 Austria 23/20
Poland's first action in a super competitive Group D came against the Netherlands on Sunday. Adam Buksa gave them an early lead but the Dutch were level by half time and then found the winner in the 83rd minute. Poland were without Robert Lewandowski for that game, watch the media for news as to whether he is fit to take his place here.
Austria made France work hard in a 1-0 defeat in their opener but clear chances were few and far between and Max Wober was the unlucky man, heading into his own net late in the first half. Austria shaded possession but could not find a way through and with the Dutch to face next up, they are in the same boat as Poland, really needing a victory here.
The Verdict:
Both teams are playing catch up and in those circumstances I can see scope for 3 goals or more.
Bets: Total match goals over 2.5 at 9/10 with Sportingbet
Netherlands 21/10 Draw 24/10 France 5/4
Cody Gakpo scored the first half equalizer for thee Dutch against Poland and Wout Weghorst came off the bench and almost immediately found what proved to be the winner on 83 minutes. The Dutch registered 21 attempts on goal but only 4 on target although the win was what mattered most.
France had to wait until Monday for their first group match and they came through their clash with dark horses Austria with a 1-0 win. Victory came courtesy of an own goal late in the first half but the headlines were made by a broken nose for star striker Kylian Mbappe who's availability will need monitoring although he has trained.
The Verdict:
This game could go a long way to deciding the group winner but I doubt either coach would be too downhearted if this ended all square.
Bets: Match result draw at 24/10 with Sportingbet
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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