Wales welcomes Ukraine to Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (ESPN). Below, we preview the Wales vs. Ukraine odds and lines, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
The winner of this match will officially join the England-led Group B. USA and Iran are also in the group. Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1 in Glasglow Wednesday to earn a chance to win one more game for a berth in Qatar.
Wales is ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings, while Ukraine sits 27th. Scotland was the lowest of the three in the playoff at No. 39. Both nations finished second in their respective World Cup qualifying group.
Ukraine is led by M Oleksandr Zinchenko. The star midfielder plays for EPL-winning Manchester City. While Zinchenko is often the main focus for opponents, they must watch out for 26-year-old F Roman Yaremchuk, who led Ukraine with 3 goals in the qualifying matches and scored the second of 3 against Scotland.
Wales finished 2nd in the Belgium-led Group E with 5 wins, 1 loss and 3 draws. Wales scored 16 goals and allowed 10 in 9 matches with 32-year-old F Gareth Bale leading the way with 5 goals in qualifying action.
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
Wales vs. Ukraine odds, lines, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Wales +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Ukraine +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Draw +200
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +145 | U: -190)
[tipico]
Prediction
Ukraine 2, Wales 2 (Ukraine to advance in extra time/PKs)
Money line (ML)
BET UKRAINE TO ADVANCE (+100).
The run to the World Cup continues, and it just feels right. Ukraine seemingly used the extra effort found from the war on their home country to push forward.
The passion and effort are similar to what helped propel Denmark to a deep run in the Euro 2020. Players managed to focus together after leader F Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during the team’s Euro opener.
Ukraine dominated Scotland Wednesday. It had 58% of the possession and double the number of shots on target. Ukraine is led by talented players at all positions. Zinchenko is a key controller of the midfield.
Considering Wales drew Belgium and the Czech Republic in recent qualifying matches, it can play both up and down to the level of its competition. Bale will be a key star on the pitch, but now 32 years old, he may not quite keep pace with the likes of the young Ukrainians.
With that in mind and Wales’ ability to play to the level of its competition, I’d prefer to play Ukraine to advance than a straight-up, regular-time win.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN OVER 2.5 (+145).
After watching Scotland and Ukraine and having predicted an ultra-low scoring matchup, the Ukrainian attack made that suggestion not look wise. The two sides combined for 12 shots on target.
Ukraine, in both games this year, have combined with its opponent to score 3 or more goals. In 4 of its 5 Euro 2020 matches (played in summer 2021), it went Over this total.
As for Wales, there were more than 2.5 goals in 3 of its last 5 matches. Wales had 14 goals in 8 Group E qualifying matches.
Combine it all, and I’ll take the OVER 2.5 (+145).
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