Macedonia returns to action on Thursday for its second group stage match of EURO 2020 when they take on Ukraine.

photo by UAF: the Ukrainians train in Bucharest

Several days ago, both Macedonia and Ukraine lost their opening fixtures, so these are two desperate teams who need points. Macedonia lost 3:1 to Austria in the opener, while Ukraine fell 3:2 to the Netherlands. Despite the scorelines, Macedonia – Austria was more competitive than Netherlands – Ukraine. Netherlands was absolutely dominating Ukraine and looked to be in complete cruise control, but then a lapse in concentration saw the Dutch concede twice in quick succession. Netherlands did eventually get a deserved late winner.

A draw will not eliminate Macedonia or Ukraine on Thursday, but both teams really need a win here. And, frankly, both sides should feel they can get it. I thought Macedonia, overall, gave a good account of themselves in the Austria game, while Ukraine should feel confident and optimistic that they can beat Macedonia. Macedonia should feel the same about Ukraine.

I was not impressed by Ukraine in the Netherlands match. Going in, I thought the Dutch were vulnerable and gettable, but they were made to look like world beaters against Ukraine.

We will learn some important things on Thursday from both Macedonia – Ukraine and Netherlands – Austria. One, how does Macedonia bounce back against Ukraine? Second, how does Austria look facing the Netherlands? If they look good, then maybe that is a good sign for Macedonia heading into the third and final matchday next Monday.

Macedonia went toe-to-toe with a solid Austria squad for the majority of the game this past Sunday. Eventually, Austria’s superior fitness and bench did us in. The match for long stretches looked exactly like Macedonia – Germany from last March (tied at 1:1 late on and there for the taking), but two Austria substitutes in Gregoritsch and Arnautović proved decisive by getting one goal apiece to give Austria the 3:1 victory.

When you lack quality depth on the bench, which Macedonia does, having to play three games in eight days is challenging. I do have concerns ahead of Thursday, the main one being recuperation and recovery. Goran Pandev has said the main problem being old as a footballer is recuperation in between games. Darko Velkovski, who was rock solid in the Austria match, also has stamina issues when he has to play games in quick succession.

Meanwhile, Ukraine tends to struggle in second games of big tournaments. Ukrainian expert Andrew Todos said as such when we did a preview podcast for this group. So, something will have to give on Thursday. Can Macedonia overcome fatigue and recuperate well enough to bounce back, or can Ukraine put aside their second game struggles?

I expect coach Angelovski to make a few changes to the starters. I anticipate Ristovski, who started at right CB against Austria, will go back to right wing-back. I could also see Spirovski coming in for Nikolov, while Trajkovski could open from the bench.

Dimitrievski
Musliu-Velkovski-Ristevski
Ristovski-Bardhi-Spirovski-Ademi-Alioski
Pandev-Elmas

Both teams should head into this match believing they can win. I foresee a very competitive clash where the first goal will likely be decisive. Ukraine tends not to concede many, notwithstanding their first match. Macedonia really needs the first goal here. Then, it will be a question of whether we can hold on? However, given the lapses in concentration, I do not see us keeping a clean sheet. I believe we will see an unpopular draw that does not help either NT.

Prediction: Ukraine 1:1 Macedonia