In the upcoming European Under-17 Championship, Serbia U17s will face Ukraine U17s on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 4 pm UK time in Paralimni.
Both teams aim to progress from a group that includes the Czech Republic and host nation Cyprus.
Current Form
Serbia U17s
Serbia U17s are participating in the Under-17 European Championship for the third consecutive year.
They advanced through the qualifying rounds, collecting seven points in the first round and finishing second in their elite stage group.
With past successes including a semi-final finish in 2022 and a quarter-final appearance in 2023, Serbia aims to continue their strong form in this tournament.
Ukraine U17s
Ukraine U17s are returning to the championship for the first time since 2017.
They struggled initially in the qualifiers but dramatically improved in the elite stage, winning all three of their matches against Greece, Switzerland, and Slovakia without conceding a goal.
Ukraine's defence will be a key factor as they seek their first knockout stage appearance in the competition's history.
Form Guide
Serbia U17s have shown mixed form in recent competitions, with their last six games resulting in two wins, two draws, and two losses.
Their offensive play, led by top scorer Bogdan Kostic, will be crucial against Ukraine's formidable defence.
Ukraine U17s, on the other hand, have displayed impressive form, particularly in the European Championship qualifiers where they won all their elite stage matches.
Their defensive resilience and the goal-scoring prowess of Artem Stepanov, who netted six times in qualifying, make them a strong contender in this matchup.
Team News
For Serbia, Vukasin Jovanic is expected to start in goal, with Vuk Roganovic and Veljko Milosavljevic forming the central defence.
Bogdan Kostic, Serbia's top scorer in the qualifiers, will be one of the main attacking threats.
Ukraine's defence will feature Demian Tretiak and Kyrylo Dihtiar, with Mykyta Sheleketa and Dymtro Strilchuk as full-backs.
Artem Stepanov, the standout forward from Bayer Leverkusen, will lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Serbia U17s: Jovanovic; Bubanja, Roganovic, Milosavljevic, Avdic; Kostov, Maksimovic, Vasilic; Djordjevic, Rankovic, Kostic.
Ukraine U17s: Makarenko; Sheleketa, Tretiak, Dihtiar, Strilchuk; Olychenko, Ozymai, Redushko; Bohdanov, Bondar, Stepanov.
Prediction
Ukraine's defensive solidity is likely to give them the edge in this encounter. We predict a 1-0 victory for Ukraine U17s, kicking off their tournament with a win and showcasing their strong defensive and offensive capabilities.
FAQ
When and where is the Serbia U17s vs Ukraine U17s match taking place? The match is scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024, at 4 pm UK time. It will be held in Paralimni.
What is the significance of this match? This match is part of the European Under-17 Championship group stage. Both teams aim to progress from a group that also includes the Czech Republic and host nation Cyprus.
How did Serbia U17s qualify for the tournament? Serbia U17s collected seven points in the first qualifying round and finished second in their elite stage group. This marks their third consecutive appearance in the Under-17 European Championship.
What is Serbia U17s' recent form in the tournament? Serbia U17s have shown mixed form, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six matches. They reached the semi-finals in 2022 and the quarter-finals in 2023.
How did Ukraine U17s qualify for the tournament? Ukraine U17s struggled initially but improved dramatically in the elite stage, winning all three of their matches without conceding a goal. This is their first appearance in the championship since 2017.
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