Euro2012 – Ukraine vs France – Surprise package
By David, bettingexpert.com | Published
Not having been able to see how Ukraine was shaping up ahead of this tournament, since they have not been involved in many competitive matches over the past months, their display did come along as a surprise. Can they keep hold of the top spot in their group by having the upper hand on France?
Ukraine – France Odds: Euro 2012
On the right are odds for the match between Ukraine and France, which will remain visible right until kick off.
Ukraine – France Preview: Euro 2012
Les Bleus will be a different proposition than the Swedish side was. Qualitatively the French are probably the better side in their group with the trio of Ribery, Nasri and Benzema capable of doing great things and surely place their nation on the forefront alongside a few others in terms of attacking potential.
Stemming from what we saw in the opening games for both teams, this match should be set on an attacking note. France found themselves up against a typical Hodgson side on Monday and were frustrated in not being able to see a lot of their opponents’ goalposts. The Ukrainians will not be playing according to a game plan similar to that of the English. They have very good potential in attack and apparently also great lung capabilities. Blokhin will have to focus on those strong points of theirs rather than shifting onto defensive abilities that are quite lacking.
Sweden exposed most of those frailties in the Kiev match and Ukraine were somewhat lucky for key balls to have landed on the wasteful feet of the Swedish forwards. Blanc’s side should be taking full advantage of those amnesic moments. A striker like Benzema does not look like the kind of player Ukraine are capable of dealing with in defence. The whole backline seemed leaky and with France able to pose threat on different fronts of it attacking line, closing in on goal should be so much easier than when they played England.
On the other hand, Diarra was quite a far cry from what M’Vila had gotten us used to. Since he was flanked by two more offensive midfielders, Cabaye and Malouda with the latter shifted from his usual wing position, Diarra did have to work solo in providing cover for the defence. A defence which, perhaps due to difficulties the team was having in breaching the English rearguard, pushed with both its full-backs, especially right-back Debuchy. Good midfield cover was thus essential and in most cases England could break in on goal despite their attention being shifted on defence precisely because France allowed so much space to run in.
Blokhin will have to have noticed that and found inspiration in preparing for this game. The direct style of football they made use of against Sweden should come in very handy against France, with Yarmolenko and a very impressive Konoplyanka definite threats for Les Bleus.
Ukraine – France injury news: Euro 2012
The main concern for Ukraine, now more than ever before after his game-changing double against Sweden, will be the fitness of captain Shevchenko. The home side need his finishing abilities if they are to progress but he has already bitten down on the bullet to play the opener.
Having seen no cards flashed at his players Blanc will not be holding back anybody and should field the same players as in the match against the Three Lions.
Ukraine – France Betting: Euro 2012
Both teams prefer going for the kill. There should be an eagerness on both fronts to settle the score in their favour. In Donetsk it should still be hot at the time of kick off but with France knowing they could compromise everything if they fail to get three points there should be little time spent over-thinking matters. Ukraine, on the other hand will find themselves comfortable playing direct football, taking advantage of France’s persistent weakness in holding opponents in midfield.
Verdict: Over 2.5
You must be logged in to post a comment! Sign up + or log in in the top right corner.
| 
|