Netherlands U-21 vs Ukraine U-21: group stage decider at the Euros. Prediction, probable lineups
Netherlands U21
Ukraine U21
In the final round of Group D, the Netherlands U-21 face Ukraine U-21 in a decisive battle for a place in the knockout stage. What outcome should we expect? Read on for our preview.
See also: Flamengo vs Esperance Tunis prediction, H2H and probable lineups — June 17, 2025
Match preview
The nominal hosts, the Netherlands, have put themselves in a do-or-die position due to poor finishing and shaky defending: only a win against a solid Ukraine side will see them through.
A high-scoring draw with Finland—where Reiziger’s men salvaged a point at the death—turned out to be just the first setback for the Dutch.
On Sunday, June 15, they fell to their Danish counterparts. Despite firing 28 shots at goal and hitting the target ten times, the Netherlands found the net just once.
Denmark needed only three shots on target to score twice and secure the win. This speaks volumes about the Netherlands’ defensive frailties and casts doubt over their chances to progress from the group.
Ukraine, after a hard-fought draw with Denmark—where victory slipped away late—confidently dispatched Finland, barely allowing their opponents any real chances. The defense stood firm, while the attack clinically converted their opportunities.
The only downside: a red card for midfield lynchpin Volodymyr Brazhko, who will miss the clash with the Netherlands.
Ukraine need just a single point to secure a place in the next round. Melgosa’s team are adept at managing the scoreline, making them a dangerous opponent for the Dutch in this crucial fixture.
Probable lineups
Netherlands U-21: Roefs, Rensch, Flamingo, Hato, Maatsen, Salah-Eddine, Valente, Taylor, Poku, Ogayo, van Bommel
Ukraine U-21: Neshcheret, Kozyk, Batagov, Mykhavko, Vivcharenko, Yarmolyuk, Yatsyk, Ocheretko, Bragaru, Veletin, Vanat
Match facts and head-to-head
These U-21 teams have met seven times in their history: three wins for the Netherlands, two for Ukraine, and two draws
Both sides have scored in each of their last five encounters
Over 2.5 goals has landed in four of the Netherlands’ last five matches
Prediction
Despite the bookmakers’ odds, the Netherlands’ finishing woes and defensive lapses, combined with Ukraine’s impressive form, make a strong case for backing Asian handicap: +1 on Ukraine at odds of 2.12. For those seeking higher risk, the handicap 0 is available at 4.8.
