When Finland U21 and Ukraine U21 face off at Kosicka futbalova arena in Kosice on June 15th, we’re bound to witness a battle shaped as much by raw ambition as technical finesse. Both sides are desperate to escape Group D’s mid-table congestion after drawing or losing their openers. What sets this duel apart? While Finland U21 are keen to break new ground on the European stage, Ukraine U21 arrive with a reputation for high-pressing intensity—and a point to prove after a narrow defeat to Denmark.
Keep a close eye on Finland’s midfielder Topi Keskinen, whose eye for goal and energetic bursts from deep are crucial to Finland’s creative engine, and Ukraine’s wide threat Nazar Voloshyn, fresh off a goal against Denmark and well-versed in exploiting defensive lapses.
The “hot stat” heading into this match: Ukraine U21 have managed at least 14 shots per game on average in their last five matches, a remarkable mark at this level and an early indicator of their offensive intent.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA European U21 Championship 2025 (Group D) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Kosicka futbalova arena, Kosice, Slovakia |
| 🗓️ Date: | 15 June 2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
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Finland U21 vs Ukraine U21 prediction
Looking at form, talent, and tactical set-ups, Ukraine U21 are rightly favoured, but there’s nuance to this matchup. Ukraine’s willingness to attack in numbers led to 14 total shots and 10 corners in their most recent outing, but they conceded three times, exposing a defensive vulnerability that dynamic teams like Finland can punish. Finland displayed resilience in drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands, showing improvements in breaking down organised sides and an increased threat from set-pieces, but they’re still searching for consistency.
Expect Ukraine to dictate tempo and territory in the early stages, utilising their high-pressing 4-3-3. Still, Finland’s 4-2-3-1 allows for solid counter-attacking opportunities, especially if Keskinen or Terho can find pockets behind Ukraine’s advanced fullbacks.
Discipline may play a role. Both sides average nearly two yellow cards and over nine fouls per game; Ukraine’s pressing can lead to turnovers, but it also opens spaces for Finland to exploit in transition. Ball recovery and second balls will be hotly contested, and with both teams capable of scoring but also leaking goals, we could be in for an open contest.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Ukraine U21 Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Finland U21 recent games:
Finland U21 opened with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, a match that showcased both their progress and their lingering defensive frailties. Keskinen and Terho were among the standout performers, each finding the net and offering Finnish fans hope of a potent attack. However, the Finnish backline struggled at times with quick combinations and conceded twice from open play. Prior to the tournament, Finland had mixed results: squeezing past Slovenia 1-0 but falling to Georgia U21 2-4. Noticeably, set-piece routines remain a rare source of breakthrough, something they’ll need to address against Ukraine’s aerially strong defence.
Ukraine U21 recent games:
Ukraine U21 will rue their inability to close out the contest against Denmark U21, losing 2-3 in a pulsating fixture despite racking up 14 shots and forcing 10 corners. Voloshyn’s goal is testament to their attacking flair, as is Ocheretko’s creativity in midfield. Defensively, however, they allowed Denmark to cut through with pace and precision, revealing a soft underbelly that a shrewd opposition could exploit. Ukraine’s stunning 1-0 victory over Spain U21 earlier this year underscores their top-end potential, but a 2-3 defeat to Poland and a frustrating 1-1 draw with Slovenia keep questions swirling over their ability to consistently control matches.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Finland U21 | Ukraine U21 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Total shots | 9 | 14 |
| Free kicks | 0 | 0 |
| Corner kicks | 2 | 10 |
| Total fouls | 10 | 9 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 70.4 | 86.5 |
| Interceptions | 11 | 5 |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
🚨Read our full Finland U21 vs Ukraine U21 stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ukraine U21 the favourite
- Moneyline Finland U21 3.82 | Ukraine U21 1.88
- Draw 3.84
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.65
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.73 | No 2.00
Ukraine’s status as favourites (as short as 1.88 for the outright win) is justified by their superior technical profile, more potent offence, and stronger performances against high-quality opposition. Bookmakers lean heavily toward both teams scoring, and a higher total goals line, pointing to the likelihood of an open match defined by attacking exchanges rather than cagey containment. Nevertheless, Finland’s positive showing against the Netherlands tempers overconfidence—should Ukraine leave gaps in transition, the upset cannot be ruled out.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Finland U21. Source: Official Website
Possible Starting Lineups
Finland U21 possible starting eleven

- GK: Lucas Bergström
- DF: Miska Ylitolva, Ville Koski, Rony Jansson, Tomas Galvez
- MF: Santeri Väänänen, Luka Hyryläinen, Topi Keskinen, Adam Markhiev, Casper Terho
- FW: Naatan Skyttä
Mika Lehkosuo is likely to maintain the 4-2-3-1 approach that nearly toppled the Netherlands, leaning on a back four for stability and a midfield double pivot anchored by Väänänen and Hyryläinen. The versatility and goal-scoring threat of Keskinen from midfield, and Terho’s dynamism on the left flank, are vital to their attacking prospects. Look for Skyttä to spearhead the attack, aiming to convert from creative service lines. Defensively, Koski’s physicality and Jansson’s positioning will be tested by Ukraine’s pacey forwards.
Ukraine U21 possible starting eleven

- GK: Ruslan Neshcheret
- DF: Kostiantyn Vivcharenko, Eduard Kozik, Arseniy Batagov, Volodymyr Salyuk
- MF: Volodymyr Brazhko, Oleh Ocheretko, Yehor Yarmoliuk
- FW: Maksym Bragaru, Bogdan V’Yunnik, Nazar Voloshyn
Unai Melgosa’s Ukraine U21 should stick to their high-octane 4-3-3, trusting the passing range of Ocheretko and Brazhko in the engine room to build transitions. The wing threat of Voloshyn and the physical presence of Bragaru provide ample firepower up front, while Neshcheret in goal offers composure under pressure. Vivcharenko’s progressive play from left-back could be a key attacking outlet. Their formation naturally emphasises ball retention and pressing—but leaves them vulnerable on the counter, something Finland may exploit late on.
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Ukraine U21. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
With both sides hungry to stamp their authority on Group D, we anticipate an enterprising encounter, heavy on attacking thrust and moments of vulnerability in transition. Our main pick is Ukraine U21 Draw No Bet, with a healthy dose of respect for Finland’s progress and attacking potential. Should Ukraine harness their shooting and corner-winning form while tightening up at the back, they should emerge with at least a point—most likely all three. However, if Finland can channel their discipline and continue capitalising on set-pieces, expect a nail-biter! We’re in for a contest worthy of the European U21 stage, and the trajectory of both teams remains firmly upwards for the rest of the tournament. Don’t blink!

