Belgium secured their spot in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 following a goalless draw against Ukraine on Wednesday, while Ukraine was eliminated despite Group E having all four teams tied at four points. Romania topped the group due to a superior goal difference after their 1-1 draw with Slovakia, which also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. The Belgian fans were outraged at the final whistle in Stuttgart, and captain Kevin De Bruyne seemed to advise his teammates against approaching the fans as the jeers intensified. Belgium is set to face France in the next stage, landing on the more challenging side of the draw that includes hosts Germany, Spain, and Portugal. Ukraine's valiant effort ended painfully as they became the first team since the expansion of the tournament to not advance with four points. This marked the first instance in European Championship history where all teams in a group entered the final round with equal points. Leandro Trossard filled in for the suspended Dodi Lukebakio for Belgium, sporting a Tintin-inspired kit featuring pale blue and brown shirts with white socks. Ukraine, missing wingers Mykhailo Mudryk and Viktor Tsygankov due to injuries, adjusted to a three-back formation with Oleksandr Zinchenko out and Roman Yaremchuk starting after his winning goal as a substitute against Slovakia. Ukrainian fans displayed a banner featuring a 21-year-old soldier's portrait, created using AI from photos of 182 deceased football fans, accompanied by a message about the cost of peace and the deaths of thousands of fans since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Romelu Lukaku, who had three goals disallowed in the previous matches, missed a clear chance set up by De Bruyne. Yaremchuk tested Koen Casteels, and might have scored if Artem Dovbyk had connected with him in the area. De Bruyne faced laser interference during free-kicks, nearly surprising Trubin at the near post once. Lukaku's weak shot was saved by Trubin, who also blocked a stronger effort from Yannick Carrasco as Belgium sought the goal to clinch first place. Ruslan Malinovskyi's corner caused chaos for Casteels, and Ukraine desperately needed a goal that would have been catastrophic for Belgium. Johan Bakayoko and Malinovskyi missed chances for Belgium, and Georgiy Sudakov couldn't beat Casteels in stoppage time, marking a poignant end to Ukraine's campaign.
Text: Lara Palmer
26.06.2024
Group E Drama as All Teams Tie on Points, Belgium Faces France Next in Tough Draw