France U19 vs Ukraine U19 Prediction 25.07.2024 | Under-19 Euro

• Competition: 2024 UEFA Under-19 Euro - Semi-Finals
• Date: Thursday, 25th, July 2024
• Kickoff: 19:00 UK / 20.00 CEST
• Venue: Windsor Park (Belfast)

Just one step away from the European U-19 Championship final, France Under-19s will take on Ukraine Under-19s in the semi-finals at Windsor Park on Thursday evening.

The maximum points from their opening two matches were enough for France U19 to book a spot in the final four of the major continental tournament, having staged a comeback to win 2-1 against a well-organized Turkey U19 in their opener, followed by a 4-2 victory over Denmark U19 on matchday two. During the final group stage match, Les Bleuets needed just one point to advance to the knockout stage as section winners, and they secured it thanks to the heroics of substitute Valentin Atangana, who netted a 90th-minute equalizer to level the score at 2-2 against Spain.

Like their opponents in the battle for the final, Ukraine U19 also progressed from their Group A with an unblemished record, amassing a commendable five points out of a possible nine from three matches. After sharing the points with tournament host Northern Ireland U19 and Norway U19 in dull goalless opening matches, Dmytro Mykhaylenko's team rediscovered their attacking flair at a crucial moment to defeat Italy U19 in a five-goal thriller (3-2) on matchday three, securing their spot in the next phase of the competition as runners-up.

France U19 vs Ukraine U19 Betting Tips: FRANCE U19 TO WIN

The two national U-19 sides last faced each other six years ago in 2014 at this very tournament during the group stage, with Ukraine edging out a close 2-1 victory by the final whistle. This time, the French have a great opportunity to exact revenge and secure a spot in the showpiece match of the European U-19 Championship for the fifth time in their history, during which they have lifted the trophy three times. Setting up a final clash against Italy or Spain won’t be an easy task for the pre-tournament favorites, as the Ukrainians have proven tough to beat in recent months, having gone through seven straight matches unbeaten (W5 D2). 

One of the Blue and Yellows' main strengths has been their rock-solid defense, which recorded six shutouts during their unbeaten streak, but if anyone can breach their defensive wall, it is undoubtedly France, who were relentless in front of goal during the group stage, netting eight times across three matches. Although Mykhalyenko's squad will put up a tough fight and attempt to throw off their rival's tempo, we are steadfast in our belief that the Assoumani-led Les Bleuets will break throught the Ukrainian bulwark and finally put an end to their eight-year quest for a Euro U19 final.