It’s make-or-break for Bosnia as they host Ukraine in their Euro 2024 play-off semi-final clash.
With three last-minute tickets up for grabs, Bosnia will be eager to cement a spot in Germany in the summer.
Although they had a disastrous Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, finishing fifth in their group, Bosnia made the play-offs via a creditable showing at the Nations League.
Ukraine, on the other hand, had an eminently tough Euros qualifying group, and a goalless draw in their final game against Italy saw them finish third.
With the winner of this tie facing Israel or Iceland in the play-offs Final (Path B), the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
To put you in the picture, I have unearthed some stats and dropped in a couple of value tips for you to mull over ahead of kick-off.
Ukraine to put their best foot forward
Ukraine have suffered heartbreak on the international stage before, and in 2022, they were pipped to a World Cup spot in Qatar after defeat to Wales in the play-off final.
In the recent Euro 2024 qualifiers, Ukraine came agonisingly close to automatically sealing a spot, but they ended up level on points with Italy, missing out due to the head-to-head record.
That said, Ukraine have been regular visitors to the Euros, as they have been involved in the past three editions of the tournament.
Moreover, Serhiy Rebrov’s charges have lost just two of their past 10 competitive matches, and so they won’t be fazed by this meeting.
Rebrov’s counterpart Savo Milosevic, on the other hand, will have to rally his troops, but he could have his work cut out.
Although Bosnia held Ukraine to a 1-1 draw in their first World Cup qualifier in October 2021, Ukraine exacted revenge with a 2-0 win a month later.
Bosnia are also rather porous at the back, keeping just four clean sheets in their past 16 competitive outings, and it’s hard to see them thwarting Ukraine.
For my first pick, I like the look of Ukraine to win & to win to nil which is available at a short-looking 23/10 with Paddy Power.
Artem Dovbyk to put Bosnia to the sword
While Edin Dzeko invariably turns heads for Bosnia, Artem Dovbyk is a serious threat for Ukraine.
A potential scourge for Bosnia, Dovbyk, who swapped Dnipro-1 for Girona last summer, has been one of the success stories this season.
In January, Dovbyk hit a hat-trick against Sevilla, and he was joint-top in the La Liga scoring charts along with Jude Bellingham.
Although he has only netted once in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, I think Dovbyk could come alive in this tie.
To wrap things up, I fancy Dovbyk to run Bosnia ragged and rattle home a double, which is priced at 16/1 with bet365 for you to tuck into.
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