There was nothing to choose between the teams in Stuttgart as Belgium progressed to the round of 16 as Group E runners-up, while Ukraine exited as the section’s bottom side.
Belgium have progressed to the round of 16 as Group E runners-up
Belgium are through to the round of 16 at UEFA EURO 2024 after finishing as Group E runners-up thanks to a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, whose own hopes of progress were extinguished.
Key moments
7′: Lukaku hits effort straight at Trubin
33′: De Bruyne goes close with free-kick
65′: Trubin denies Lukaku again
73′: Carrasco draws good save
79′: Dovbyk hits side netting
90+1′: Casteels holds Sudakov shot
Match in brief: Belgium do just enough
Artem Dovbyk went close right at the end for Ukraine
It was a nervy start for both sides at the Stuttgart Arena, with plenty at stake in the group as all four teams began the evening level on three points apiece.
Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne created the first clear chance of the game, embarking on a mazy run before threading a fine through ball to Romelu Lukaku, who was unable to properly connect with his shot from close range, allowing Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to gather easily.
De Bruyne then went close himself as he attempted to catch Trubin out at his near post with a cheeky free-kick, but his effort whistled narrowly wide.
The Red Devils continued to dominate possession in the second half, yet Ukraine held firm, Lukaku again trying his luck with a curling effort which Trubin saved.
Anatoliy Trubin keeps Romelu Lukaku off the scoresheet
Ukraine needed a goal, and they made a triple substitution on 70 minutes as they threw everything at unlocking victory, but it was Belgium who still showed the most threat, Yannick Carrasco blasting a shot which was well palmed away.
Artem Dovbyk’s eyes lit up with ten minutes to go as he received the ball in space on the edge of the box, but the Ukraine forward could only fire into the side netting as time began to tick away.
In the final moments, Georgiy Sudakov embarked on a brilliant solo run. The goal seemed there for the taking, but his shot from just inside the box lacked power, and once again there was simply no way through for Ukraine.
With Slovakia and Romania drawing 1-1 in the group’s other match, all the teams ended on four points. Belgium finished second to Romania on goals scored, while Ukraine came fourth due to having the worst goal difference.
Vivo Player of the Match: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Bogdan Buga, Ukraine reporter
Ukraine’s fate at EURO 2024 was sealed by a heavy defeat to Romania in the opener. Despite rebounding with a dramatic win over Slovakia and a tough fight against Belgium, Serhiy Rebrov’s youthful squad bid an early farewell. Their performance in Germany highlighted promising prospects for the blue and yellows, suggesting a bright future ahead.
David D’Hondt, Belgium reporter
Belgium did go all out for a win, but it just didn’t happen. They are still relying too much on individual brilliance, but were largely comfortable in the game, and probably felt that they had Ukraine at arm’s length. The knockouts await.
Reaction
Serhiy Rebrov reacts after his Ukraine side were eliminated from the tournament
Key stats
- This was the first-ever international meeting between these two teams.
- Belgium have reached the EURO knockout stage for the third edition in a row and the fourth time overall.
- This was only the second time that the Red Devils have failed to score in their last 12 EURO matches.
- Belgium have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight EURO group matches.
- Ukraine drew a match at the EURO finals for the first time.
Line-ups
Ukraine: Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Svatok (Yarmolenko 81), Matviyenko, Mykolenko (Zinchenko 58); Shaparenko (Vanat 70), Brazhko (Stepanenko 70), Sudakov; Yaremchuk (Malinovskyi 70), Dovbyk
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Theate, Vertonghen; De Bruyne, Onana, Tielemans (Mangala 62); Trossard (Carrasco 62), Lukaku (Openda 90), Doku (Bakayoko 77)