Preview: Netherlands vs Ukraine

2024-10-10

A thrilling clash awaits as the Netherlands, boasting a formidable squad and riding on a wave of recent victories, host Ukraine, an unbeaten force under the legendary guidance of Andriy Shevchenko, in their Euro 2020 Group C opener at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Netherlands

Having only one defeat in their last six games across all international competitions (WLWWDW), the Netherlands will make their first Euro 2020 – Group C appearance after a convincing 3-0 win over Georgia. Memphis Depay, who has been in top form for both club and country, struck from the penalty spot for the opening goal just minutes into the game.

Later on, VfL Wolfsburg's Wouter Weghorst doubled the lead after the interval, with a goal in the 55th minute. Teenage midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, only 19 years old, stretched the lead to three goals in the 76th minute, sealing the victory.

Prior to that victory, the Netherlands played a 2-2 draw against Scotland on the 2nd of June. Their most significant win in their last six games was a 7-0 triumph over Gibraltar on the 30th of March.

The Flying Dutchmen have made 10 appearances in this competition and were crowned champions once when they defeated the Soviet Union 2-0 in the Euro 1988 final. Frank de Boer took over as manager on the 23rd of September, 2020, following Ronald Koeman's departure.

Under his guidance, the Netherlands have achieved 5 wins, resulting in a 46% win rate, along with 4 draws and 2 losses in 11 games. De Boer's star-studded squad includes Premier League title winner Nathan Ake, Dutch league champion Daley Blind, and Italian Super Cup winner Matthijs de Ligt.

Memphis Depay and Scudetto title holder Stefan de Vrij are also part of the team, as is Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong. A defensive-minded 5-3-2 formation, featuring Memphis Depay and Weghorst in attack, is expected on Sunday. Memphis Depay has scored six goals in his last six appearances for the Netherlands.

Ukraine

Ukraine remains unbeaten in six games across all competitions, with a record of DDDDWW. Their last fixture, an international friendly, ended in a 4-0 win over Cyprus on the 7th of June.

Before this unbeaten run, Ukraine experienced a rough patch of form. However, coach Andriy Shevchenko steered the team out of troubled waters, overcoming seven defeats in eight games.

The AC Milan legend, and Ballon d'Or winner (2004), Shevchenko remains Ukraine's top scorer with 48 goals. The 44-year-old has been in charge since July 15, 2016, guiding the team to 23 wins, 13 draws, and 11 losses in 47 games, boasting a 49% win rate as coach.

Ukraine's squad is bolstered by talents like West Ham's Andriy Yarmolenko, Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Dynamo Kyiv's Oleksandr Tymchyk. Vitaliy Mykolenko and Oleksandr Karavaev, both from Dynamo Kyiv, will also be available for selection throughout the tournament.

For this fixture, Shevchenko may adopt a 4-1-4-1 formation.