Set-pieces the key as Irish boys go for broke

WITH both teams losing their opening matches, this looks like a key clash in the race for third place in Group C.

Even though they qualified well, Northern Ireland were always going to be outsiders in this competition, and they by no means embarrassed themselves in losing 1-0 to Poland. Michael O’Neill’s men will have learnt a lot from the defeat, and if they are to make the Last 16 they need to play to their strengths.

Excluding penalties, they scored more goals from setpieces than any other team in qualifying and they should concentrate on trying to force these scenarios in the tournament. Also, Steven Davis and Oliver Norwood are very capable in midfield, and need to create more chances for Kyle Lafferty to score.

VERDICT: Ukraine win.

KEY STAT: Kyle Lafferty was involved in half of Northern Ireland’s goals in qualifying, scoring seven and assisting one. But in the opening game against Poland, he had more touches in his own box (3) than in the opposition’s (1).

BIG MATCH BET: Two teams hurting after going down fighting in their opening games will be desperate to put things right and stay in it. A 2-2 draw at 28-1 is worth a nibble.