5 things you need to know before Ukraine vs North Macedonia, Denmark vs Belgium & Holland vs Austria

Ukraine vs North Macedonia, Denmark vs Belgium & Holland vs Austria

Bad news Euro 2020 lovers: after today, there are only two more matchdays with three fixtures in them.

Happily, today brings a feast of football, starting with a must-win game for matchday one losers Ukraine and North Macedonia.

Emotions will be high during Denmark versus Belgium, while June 17, 2021 closes with Holland taking on Austria in Amsterdam.

5 things you need to know: Video from Alison Bender

101 ambassador, Alison Bender, has analysed the top 5 things you need to know before today’s matches at Euro 2020.

A written breakdown of the points follows the video.

It’s time for your #EURO2020 5-a-day with Alison Bender as she highlights five things to watch out for today 🏆

From Serie A stars to El Clasico, today’s action has it all 🙌

What are you excited to see? #NED #DEN #UKR #MKD #AUT #BEL pic.twitter.com/Ew3FF0qP8C

— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) June 17, 2021

1) The Serie A storylines during Ukraine vs North Macedonia

Fans of Italy’s Serie A will have plenty to enjoy during the opening game on Thursday.

Ukrainian manager, Andriy Shevchenko, will forever be an AC Milan legend. While Ukraine’s current squad also features Atalanta’s Ruslan Malinovskyi and Napoli’s Elif Elmas.

Meanwhile, North Macedonian icon, Goran Pandev, is a Serie A icon: the veteran hitman stands as the only North Macedonian to ever score 100 goals in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues (Serie A). 

2) Everyone’s still concerned about Christian Eriksen

The match between Denmark and Belgium will of course be overshadowed by the ongoing concern for Christian Eriksen.

How will the Danish players react to returning to the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, just days after Eriksen’s cardiac arrest?

Eriksen’s health remains far more important than football.

3) How many will Romelu Lukaku score?

Lukaku opened his Euro 2020 account with a brace against Russia.

Already one of the main contenders for the Golden Boot award, Lukaku may well add to his goals tally today.

Lukaku’s emotional wellbeing will also be keenly tracking in Copenhagen. The Belgian centre-forward is a teammate of Eriksen at Inter Milan.

4) Why Holland will beat Austria

Here are some facts. The Netherlands have beaten Austria in 6 consecutive matches.

During that time, Holland have scored 18 goals.

5) El Clasico mini-midfield preview

Two protagonists of the 2021-22 El Clasico matches will be on show during the Austria vs Netherlands match.

For the Dutch, Frenkie De Jong is already estbalished in the Barcelona team.

While Austrian star David Alaba is hoping to play in Real Madrid’s midfield next season.

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