Ukraine Vs Malta

Ukraine and Malta are set to lock horns in a lopsided Euro 2024 qualifying showdown at the City Arena Trnava in Slovakia.

Ukraine let slip a two-goal lead and drew 3-3 against Germany in their most recent friendly match. However, they showcased their resilience in their last European Championship qualifying outing against North Macedonia, fighting back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. This victory marked their first win in the ongoing Euro qualifying campaign after a 2-0 loss to England in March. Nevertheless, Ukraine’s new coach, Serhiy Rebrov, has already recognized the need for defensive improvement. His men have conceded at least two goals in three consecutive matches, a situation they haven’t faced since September 2021. The upcoming clash against Malta could be just what the doctor ordered to stem the bleeding despite Ukraine losing their only previous H2H 1-0 in 2017, though it was a friendly meeting.

Meanwhile, Malta may not pose a significant threat to the Eastern European team despite their H2H success six years ago. Despite suffering a 4-0 defeat against England on Friday, which added to their European Championship qualifying losses against North Macedonia and Italy in March, it was expected considering the substantial difference in FIFA rankings. However, Michele Marcolini’s lads deserve credit for conceding only one goal in the last hour of the match after being 3-0 down within the first 31 minutes. Malta’s recent results over the past 12 months have been encouraging, as they have achieved victories against Israel and Luxembourg, as well as a draw against Greece, with all countries ranked within FIFA’s top 100 at the time of those meetings. Still, the visitors haven’t avoided defeat against a higher-ranked nation than Ukraine (ranked 30th) since holding Switzerland to a goalless friendly draw in February 2011.