Ukraine will be looking to bounce back from their shock 0-3 loss to Slovakia in their opening Euro 2024 group stage match. They will face North Macedonia on Friday at the Dusseldorf Arena in Germany, with a crucial game ahead of them.
The referee appointed for this match is Michael Oliver, a well-respected figure in the world of football. He is a prominent referee in the Premier League and has also gained recognition for his work in international tournaments and foreign leagues. Oliver has been an international referee since 2012 and has been a member of UEFA’s Elite Group since 2018.
This will be Oliver’s second European Championship after officiating in three matches at UEFA EURO 2020. He is one of 19 referees selected to officiate at the current tournament. Speaking to the UEFA website, Oliver highlighted the heightened pressure and intensity of the competition, stating, “The eyes of the world are on this tournament. You get a sense when you arrive at the stadium that the atmosphere is different. The pressure, the competition, and the quality of matches are all higher. You’re aware of that pressure, but you just try to prepare the best you can and make sure you’re ready for it.”