Belgium secured their spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stage with a goalless draw on Wednesday, while Ukraine, despite earning four points, became the first team in Group E to be eliminated on goal difference.
Belgium’s journey at Euro 2024 continues with a challenging fixture against France and Kylian Mbappe in Duesseldorf on Monday. Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco expressed confidence, stating, “We go to win. We are here and qualified for this Euro to be part of the best teams. Now, we face a top team.”
All four teams in Group E ended with four points, with Romania topping the group, followed by Belgium and Slovakia. Ukraine finished last due to goal difference.
In another Group E match in Frankfurt, Romania and Slovakia drew 1-1, both securing spots in the knockout stage.
Ukraine, playing amidst the backdrop of Russia’s invasion, came close to advancing and will finish with more points than at least one of the four best third-place teams despite a decisive 3-0 loss to Romania in their opening game.
Reflecting on their performance, Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov said, “In the last two games, we showed the character of our nation. But this is life, you make some mistakes, but then it’s important how you react. I’m very proud of the players.”
Ukraine substitute Ruslan Malinovskyi nearly altered the outcome with a late corner attempt saved by Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
Belgium, ranked third, faced pressure from Georgiy Sudakov’s attempt that went straight to Casteels. Despite struggling offensively, Romelu Lukaku missed Belgium’s best chance in the first half.
The match concluded with Belgian fans voicing discontent at the Stuttgart Arena, contrasting with Ukrainian supporters who displayed a banner honoring a fallen soldier named Nazariy Hryntsevich.
Reflecting on their efforts, Ukraine defender Oleksandr Tymchyk said, “We wanted to bring them joy, to make them proud. We left it all on the field, but it wasn’t enough.”
Belgium prepares to face France, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, acknowledging the tough competition ahead. Coach Tedesco remarked, “This group was tougher than many thought. On paper, you can be favorites, but you have to play the games and these teams have absolutely nothing to lose.”
