JAKARTA - Ukraine will play the final Euro 2020 Group C match against Austria in Bucharest, Romania, Monday night. How are the two teams preparing?
Ukraine is currently in second place in Group C and they only need a draw to lock up their ticket to the last 16 as group runners-up. However, Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko insists, his team will not be looking for results.
"In theory, a draw would be nice enough, but we knew this match would be difficult," Shevchenko said.
"If you go into the game thinking a draw is OK, then you don't get a definite result.
"That kind of thinking can often lead to severe penalties. All the talk that teams can agree to a draw shouldn't happen. That's not true.
"My team understands how important this match is, so does Austria... I respect Austria. They have their own style.
"They have great players, a crucial leader in David Alaba, and some players who deserve respect. They are aggressive and we have to prepare for a tough game," he added.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian center-back Denys Popov, who warmed the bench in the Dutch defeat and was left out of the squad for the win over Macedonia, admits Shevchenko will likely miss out with a calf injury.
"Popov has a problem with his calf muscle and hasn't trained today," he said.
"I don't think there is a serious problem, but he obviously needs time to recover," concluded Shevchenko.
Arnautovic confirmed from the start
The Austrian coach Franco Foda ensured Marko Arnautovic will start from the start leading his team's front line against Ukraine.
Arnautovic missed Austria's 2-0 loss to the Netherlands, serving a one-match ban following an insulting celebration he scored against North Macedonia.
Arnautovic's presence is recognized by Foda as needed for Austria, who must beat Ukraine to qualify for the last 16 as runners-up in Group C.
"We decided Marko will play from the start. That means the opponent can know and be prepared for it, but I'm happy he can play again," said Foda.
"But we don't just depend on Marko. He has the ability and quality, but there are many players who can take responsibility tomorrow," he added.
Foda admits that his front line needs to improve, having failed to put enough pressure on them in their previous defeat by the Netherlands.
"Against Holland, we could have reached their box, but our final pass was not good, there was no push," he said.
"We attack the opponent too rarely, that's what we have to improve," said Foda.
A draw is likely enough for Austria to advance to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams in the group stage.
However, of course, Austria will aim for a win to ensure their fate without waiting for the results of the other groups, as stated by captain David Alaba.
"Not only for me, but tomorrow's game is also very important for all the players in this team. This is like a final match and we want to decide our fate in our own hands," he said.
"We want to take this step, achieve our target. The tension in the team is increasing and everyone is very excited for tomorrow's game," concluded Alaba.
In the two previous appearances at the Euros, Austria's steps have always been stopped in the group phase, so that qualification to the round of 16 will be a historic record for Alaba et al.
Both Ukraine and Austria have three points, three points behind the already confirmed Netherlands winners of Group C and three points ahead of North Macedonia who became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for the round of 16 followed by the four best third-placed teams.
Although both teams have ambitions to win three points, VOI predicts the match will end in a draw.
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