International
2025-06-18 - Netherlands U21 vs Ukraine U21
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: UEFA Under 21 European Championship Group D
Wednesday 18th June 2025 - Kick Off 5pm
This game is live on TV
Preview
Two years ago they were one of the favourites when playing at the 2023 Under 21 European Championships, but three draws were not enough for Netherlands U21 to make their way out of the Group Stage.
A strong Qualifying run ahead of the 2025 Finals not only meant Netherlands were the first team to join Slovakia at the end, but they were a top Seed going into the Group Stage and the minimum expectations would have been a run through to the Knock Out Rounds.
Instead the failure to hold onto the 1-0 lead over Denmark U21 in what was eventually a 1-2 defeat has left Netherlands 3rd in this Group and knowing they have to win if they are going to make it through to the Quarter Final on Saturday. This result followed the opening very disappointing 2-2 draw with Finland U21, although on that day it was Netherlands who had to fight back to earn a 2-2 draw and a point that keeps their hopes alive.
Ukraine U21 also blew a lead- in fact two leads- against Denmark in a 2-3 loss to open the Group Stage, but they made comfortable work of Finland last time out and that means this is a team with a much firmer grip of the second Quarter Final spot available in Group D. With that win over Finland in mind, Ukraine know a point is good enough to join Denmark in the last eight, although this is a team that has shown enough quality in the final third to want to go out and win this last Group fixture.
It should be an entertaining game.
Both teams have actually looked pretty dangerous going forward, but neither has impressed all that much at the back and even the first goal is not as crucial as it may be in other games. That is especially the case for Netherlands who have shown they can fight back to earn a positive result even when things are conspiring against them, but there is a feeling that this squad needs something to break their way.
No one will doubt the quality of chances that Netherlands have racked up, but a bit more composure is still needed if they are going to win this fixture.
A long unbeaten run was ended in the 1-2 defeat to Denmark having kept things going by scoring late in the 2-2 draw with Finland, but draws are not going to get the job done now. Netherlands have not won a Finals match since the 2021 Quarter Final now, but they did get the better of Ukraine when they last met at this level in 2018.
Prediction
There are some permutations that could still prevent Netherlands U21 from making it out of this Group that involve Finland U21, but the focus for this squad has to be on the fixture being played in Presov on Wednesday afternoon.
Ultimately nothing else will matter if they fail to win this game and that is all they will be looking to do.
Ukraine U21 are in a much stronger position as far as what they need to do in order to reach the Quarter Final instead of the top Seed in this Group. A draw would be enough for Ukraine regardless of the other result in the section, but they will feel they need to get forward and attack what has been a vulnerable Netherlands defence.
That could actually play into the hands of the Dutch, who have created a lot of good chances in this tournament without being rewarded. Continuing to do that in the final third will make Netherlands very dangerous and the feeling is that they can win a high-scoring contest and this may be just enough to secure passage into the Quarter Final to be played against one of the Group C nations on Saturday.
The Pick :
Netherlands U21 3-1 Ukraine U21
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Netherlands to Win & Over 1 Total Goal (Bet Builder) at 1.61 with Bet365 (early payout if a team is leading by two goals)
