I would give for a geopolitical treaty this Ukraine-North Macedonia that is disputed halfway between both countries, in Bucharest (Romania), with Russia and Greece irritated by the jerseys of both teams –Some for their nationalist motto, others for not clearly screen printing that they are 'from the North'- and directed an Argentine referee (also assisted by a Spaniard at the VAR). Yes, you have read correctly, as a result of the UEFA-CONMEBOL exchange agreement will become Fernando Rapallini –After working as an assistant in Belgium-Russia– in the first referee from another continent to referee in a European Championship (follow the match live on As.com).
A regular in the Libertadores, the Copa América and Boca-River superclassics, he will have to control Rapallini -who runs a swimming pool construction company, in addition to sanctioning them on the pitch – two teams who feel forced to score, if not already to win, after harvesting defeats in his first game. Ukraine fell to the Netherlands (3-2) at the last moment, and he also lost Zubkov, with an elongation in the soleus. Tsyhankov will replace him, absent precisely against the Dutch due to annoyances, although Marlos also has options. Less problems will have Angelovski, who can repeat the line-up he had against Austria (3-1), clearly his best (and almost only) eleven.
Although Ukraine is presented with one of the youngest teams in the tournament, an interesting 30-year-old duel between Yarmolenko and Pandev, who 'wet' on the first day, the Ukrainian with a great goal for the entire squad and the Macedonian, scoring the first goal for his team in a great tournament. In that battle Rayista Dimitrievski and Bushchan will have a lot to say, with great interventions in the premiere despite receiving three goals each.
And an exciting chess game in the machinery area, among the talents of Malinovskyi, the quiet man of Atalanta, and the Levantinist Bardhi, who dominated the wide area for much of the debut, until the Austrians imposed their bench. A priori, in terms of possession, Shevchenko's have all to win, which already offered a hopeful image – despite the more direct game – against the Netherlands. And all this, under the baton of an Argentine. History of the Eurocup. And a tango in Bucharest, in Eastern Europe.
Keys
Tshirts: Both teams have starred in controversy with their silkscreen printing, against Russia and Greece, respectively.
Favorites: Although they never made it past the first phase, in today's clash the pressure falls on Ukraine, especially after their good performance against the Netherlands.
Intact illusion: The defeat against Austria hurt, and the celebration of Arnautovic, but North Macedonia continues in a cloud.
Aces to follow
Malinovskyi: Ukraine will seek the dominance that it did not have in its debut, in which the Atalanta player seems fundamental due to his mettle.
Dimitrievski: The Rayo goalkeeper was successful against Austria until he couldn't hold out any more. Today you can have extra work again.
Ups and downs
Ukraine loses Zubkov due to an elongation in the soleus and recovers Tsyhankov, who will precisely replace him.
Angelovski has all his troops; nobody got hurt against Austria.
Shevchenko: “We love to attack”
“Macedonia has character, they do well on the counterattack and in recent years they have beaten leading teams. We know that we were close to a great result in the debut, that it is not every year that you reach a European Championship. We are a team that loves to attack. Accuracy will be key ”.
Angelovski: “It's going to be a kind of end”
“We came here to look for a place in the quarterfinals and that goal still stands. It's going to be kind of the end. If Ukraine does not pass the phase, it will be a tragedy for them. We don't feel that pressure. The most important thing is to feel that we treasure quality, we will play our cards ”.