Belgium Advances, Ukraine Out After Draw at Euro 2024

Belgium secured passage to the Euro 2024 knockout stage with a goalless draw on Wednesday, while Ukraine's campaign ended despite accumulating four points, marking the first elimination of a team with this points tally in the group stage.

Belgium, despite advancing, faces a tough challenge against France and Kylian Mbappe in Duesseldorf on Monday. 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."

Group E concluded with all teams securing four points each, with Romania topping the group, followed by Belgium and Slovakia. Ukraine finished last due to goal difference.

Romania and Slovakia also progressed after drawing 1-1 in Frankfurt.

Playing amid the backdrop of Russia's invasion, Ukraine narrowly missed advancing, showing resilience in their final games despite a decisive 3-0 loss to Romania in their opener. Coach Serhiy Rebrov praised his team's character, saying, "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."

The match saw late drama with Ukraine's Ruslan Malinovskyi attempting a direct corner goal, saved by Belgium's goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Ukraine's Georgiy Sudakov also had a chance but shot straight at Casteels.

Belgium, initially stumbling with a loss to Slovakia, struggled to find their attacking rhythm, with Romelu Lukaku missing their best opportunity in the first half.

Reflecting on the group's challenges, Tedesco acknowledged, "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."

Despite Belgium's advancement, their performance will need to rise against France, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, who have also shown inconsistency in their matches.

The match concluded with mixed reactions from fans, with Belgian supporters voicing dissatisfaction while Ukrainian fans, displaying a banner honoring a fallen soldier, expressed pride in their team's efforts.

"We wanted to bring them joy, to make them proud. We left it all on the field, but it wasn't enough," commented Ukraine defender Oleksandr Tymchyk on their team's exit from Euro 2024.