Soccer

    Ukraine see off assault from North Macedonia to take their maiden win

    Johnnie VictoriaJohnnie Victoria17 June 2021
    Ukraine players celebrate as Andriy Yarmolenko opens the scroing

    Ukraine players celebrate as Andriy Yarmolenko opens the scroing

    Ukraine’s goal scorers from their first group stage match against the Netherlands strike again to all but send North Macedonia packing.

    North Macedonia put up a great fight in the second half against Ukraine, but the Ukrainians came away the victors, winning 2-1 to effectively seal Macedonia's exit from this year's tournament.

    Andriy Yarmolenko opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a tap-in following a flick on from a corner.

    Roman Yaremchuk doubled the lead five minutes later from a wonderful first-time pass from Yarmolenko to make up for an identical chance he passed up early on.

    Coming out for the second half, Macedonia started off hot, winning a penalty 10 minutes after the restart when Goran Pandev went down following a challenge from a spectacular shot and save.

    Ezgjan Alioski stepped up to the spot and, despite having his initial penalty saved, managed to put away the rebound.

    With just under 10 minutes to play, Ukraine were awarded a penalty after a VAR check deemed there was a handball in a previous play.

    Ruslan Malinovskyi won the penalty and took it but couldn't convert as Stole Dimitrievski made a great save to keep Macedonia's hopes alive.

    However, Ukraine still managed to hold on as the game finished 2-1.

    Ukraine, North Macedonia, Euro 2020

    Ukraine celebrates their second goal against North Macedonia

    Stat of the day

    As per Optalvan: Just one of four penalties so far in Euro 2020 have been converted. Before the current tournament, the lowest scoring percentage from the spot was EURO 1988 (50% - 2/4).

    What's next for Ukraine and North Macedonia?

    Ukraine join Austria and the Netherlands on three points but sit in third place with a lesser goal difference. They play Austria in their last group stage match, a game that could determine which of the two goes through to the round-of-16.

    Recommended Offers

    betting card

    £30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins

    New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus

    New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get £10 in Free Bets

    New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad

    For North Macedonia, the loss to Ukraine means that their fate lies in the result from the Netherlands vs Austria match later today. They face the Netherlands next in their final group stage match.

    The final group stage matches for Group C take place on Monday, June 21, with both games kicking off at 17:00 BST.