Belgium limp into Euro 2024 last 16, Ukraine make early exit

NEW DELHI: Belgium secured a second-place finish after a goalless draw with Ukraine in a tightly contested Group E, while Romania topped the group following a 1-1 draw with Slovakia.

The results left all teams in the group with four points each, but goal difference and goals scored became the decisive factors in the final standings.

Belgium's progress set them up for a last-16 match against France, as Ukraine were eliminated, finishing at the bottom of the group. Slovakia, despite being third, progressed as one of the four best third-place teams due to their goal difference.

The critical matches of the group stage saw all teams in a position where a victory could guarantee advancement, leading to an aggressive start in search of goals.

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku missed an early opportunity, indicative of the team's struggles to convert chances into goals throughout the match.


Ukraine, emphasizing defence, managed to create opportunities as well but failed to capitalize, notably when Roman Yaremchuk chose to pass instead of taking a shot on goal, a decision that did not result in a score.

As the game progressed, both teams made strategic changes, with Ukraine making a notable triple substitution in an attempt to secure a win. Belgium had opportunities to clinify a late victory, yet their attempts were unsuccessful, leading to a draw that, while ensuring their qualification for the knock-out stages, was met with disappointment from the fans.

Belgium's qualification, despite the lacklustre performance against Ukraine, sets up a promising encounter with France in the last-16, while Slovakia's entry as a third-place team adds an element of unpredictability to the knockout stages.


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