Euro 2012 - Ukraine v Sweden

Co – Hosts Ukraine will be aiming to try and get off to a flyer at Euro 2012 but their prospects of qualifying could be dented severely by Sweden tonight. Second in their qualifying group to Holland, Erik Hamen’s side scored an impressive 31 goals – bettered only by Germany and Holland in qualifying- while taking 24 points out of a possible 30, a performance as impressive as any in making it to these finals considering that they had Finland and Hungary in their group.

They also into this game with a much better preparation. A massive total of 13 players were laid low with food posioning inbetween defeats to Austria and Turkey, and while they’ve all recovered, this will be a much changed side compared to the one that we saw against those two teams which bring with itself its own problems of team cohesion considering the steep step up in class that the finals will provide.  Injury problems have manifested themselves badly with Goalkeepers Olexandr Shovkovskiy and Andriy Dykan being ruled out, while the absence of the experienced Dmytro Chygrynskiy has also weakened Ukraine's defence a lot; Not ideal against a side in Sweden who’s strength clearly lies in attacking.

 

Talisman Zaltan Ibrahimovic has been in good form, top scoring with 5 goals in the qualifiers and performing an effective service when dropping back to the no 10 role, the very place he’ll be deployed tonight. Having proven as dangerous in that role for Milan as any of their strikers this season, he should prove a massive asset. Ola Tovinonien scored 18 goals for PSV this season and was also at hand to help them to a starring role against Serbia last week. Even higher is the quality in the side roles to support their attack. Lyon’s Kim Kallstrom led the way with seven assists during qualifying, setting up six goals for the Swedes, matching his total for Lyon in Ligue 1 throughought the season. Sebastian Larsson’s seven goals for Sunderland were topped up with 3 in the qualifiers, impressive for someone who’s main aim should be to support them team. That set of statistic makes Sweden the bet, but it might also be advisable to back that up with the 2-1 correct score. Nine of Sweden’s 10 qualifiers featured over 2.5 goals, with six of those games containing over 3.5 goals, while both teams have score in their last 3 games, with 4 of Ukraine’s last 6 having seen the same conclusion; Since losing to Sweden in a friendly last year, Ukraine have scored at least two goals in eight of their last ten matches, while also letting in 2 goals in 4 of their last 6 matches.

Advice

2 pts Sweden (2/1 general)

1 pt 2-1 Sweden (11/1 Corals, Hills)