There was a lot to be liked in the North Macedonian performance last time, but the ugly truth is that they are not quite up to this level. Remember how they got this far, via low Nations league group and play-offs?

Ukraine are clearly the better side here.

They came back to 2-2 after being 2 goals down to Holland, but late goal ruined their comeback.

They were a bit too passive in the start, or was it a strategy to give Holland room and then counter? The normally solid defense were not quite their normal selves. Winger Zubkov injured as is likely out today, but wings are the main threat of this classy Ukrainian side, and no wonder if you look at their players, Yarmolenko was a completely new and fresh player compared to his club season, and Zinchenko can destroy any defense! Malinovskiy is yet to score, and his long shots will be needed today to open up the likely low block.

The Macedonians gave a good effort, fought and did also try to attack, but in the end the Austrians simply were stronger. The team has technical skill, speed and attitude, but the defense can not handle high tempo and especially not quick transitions, which is the strength of Ukr. Nestorovski and Levante’s Bardhi are out, and the squad is very thin and can not handle injuries well.

A must win for both in Bucarest. Both will have a 3 cb defense, the systems being similar means that the difference will be in individual skill, and there is a plenty at Ukraine!

The long story short, a clear home win. Second goal perhaps coming late, but I trust in counter effectivity!

2-0

本译文使用有道机器翻译，仅供参考：

北马其顿队上次的表现有很多值得称道的地方，但丑陋的事实是，他们并没有达到这个水平。还记得他们是怎么走到今天这一步的吗?

乌克兰显然是更好的一方。

在落后荷兰两球后，他们以2:2扳平比分，但最后的进球毁了他们的反击。

他们在一开始有点太被动了，或者这是给荷兰队空间然后反击的策略?通常坚固的防御不是他们正常的自我。边锋祖布科夫今天很可能因伤缺阵，但边锋是这支优秀的乌克兰球队的主要威胁，如果你看看他们的球员，也就不奇怪了。与本赛季相比，亚莫连科是一个全新的球员，而津琴科可以摧毁任何防守!马林诺夫斯基还没有得分，今天需要他的远射来打开局面。

马其顿人付出了巨大的努力，进行了战斗，也发动了进攻，但最后奥地利人更强大。球队技术、速度和态度都很好，但防守不能应付高节奏，特别是不能快速转换，这是乌克的强项。内斯托洛夫斯基和莱万特的巴迪都缺席了，球队非常单薄，不能很好地处理伤病。

在布加勒斯特，双方都必须取胜。两者都有3cb的防御系统，系统相似意味着不同的是个人技能，在乌克兰有很多!

长话短说，一场主场胜利。第二个进球也许会比较晚，但我相信反击的效力!

预测比分2:0。