The ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ could be recollected on Monday afternoon when we have a similar situation to the 1982 World Cup when the Ukraine take on Austria in Bucharest with both sides knowing that a draw is highly likely to see both teams through.
Both sides enter this match on three points and with a level goal difference and adding a point to their totals and keeping that goal difference the same will see both teams into the knockout stages barring something quite remarkable. That has seen the draw price plummet for this fixture though.
Where to watch
The match will take place over on the ITV4 channel for us in the UK with the lead up to the action starting at 4.15pm and the match kicking off at 5pm.
Ukraine
I’ve really enjoyed watching Ukraine in this tournament and but for a couple of strange moments from their goalkeeper in the opening match with the Netherlands, Andriy Shevchenko and his men would already be celebrating their path through to the knockout stages. After losing to the Dutch in what turned out to be heartbreaking fashion, you have to give credit to Ukraine for bouncing back and handling the pressure of favouritism to see off North Macedonia in their last match.
Ukraine have looked really good in attacking areas in this tournament and the pair of Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk have been particularly impressive. There is a lot to like about Ukraine and it isn’t hard to see why they are so successful under the legendary Shevchenko. There is a vulnerability about them too though which is another thing which makes them so easy to watch. A win here will see them qualify in style.
Austria
While I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Ukraine, I can’t say the same about Austria who have actually been quite hard to watch. They were terrible in their second match against the Netherlands, who in truth themselves weren’t as good as they were against Ukraine, and if there isn’t a dramatic improvement on that they will be relying on that perceived arranged draw between the two sides, much like they did on that infamous night in Spain 39 years ago.
I look for an area where Austria are particularly strong and I can’t really find one. They have lacked a goal threat throughout the tournament and only really came out on top of North Macedonia in their opening game when the Macedonians tired themselves out. I’m not massively keen on them defensively either and their goalkeeper is an accident waiting to happen. As we saw against the Dutch, there is a lack of tactical flexibility as well so Austria have plenty to prove for me.
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Team News
Ukraine boss Andriy Shevchenko has admitted there is a strong chance that Denys Popov will once again be unavailable because of his calf problem. That appears to be the only injury in this exciting Ukraine squad.
Austria will welcome Marko Arnautovic back into their midst for this match after he has completed his suspension. How fit he is though is up in the air as he wasn’t fit to start the opening game. Austria may decide they need to risk him though.
Betting
Quite predictably the draw price has plummeted in the days since the second set of matches in this group were played out but I would be surprised if professional footballers played out a tame draw like that. This isn’t 1982. Everything is under the scrutiny of a microscope and punishments can be handed out much easier. That isn’t to say it won’t end a draw but I don’t think it is the automatic selection the odds suggest that it is.
In fact, I expect Ukraine to win the match. They have looked way superior to their opponents in this match so far in this tournament. They have a structure and an attacking intent about them and Austria have neither really. The Ukraine midfield and attack have some standout players in their side and if they can keep Arnautovic and Alaba quiet I struggle to see where Austria get something from the game. This isn’t 1982 so I will take the short priced draw on although I’ll knock a point off the usual stake ‘just in case’.
Tips
Back Ukraine to beat Austria for a 2/10 stake at 3.75 with Betfair
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