Ukraine v Belgium LIVE: Result and reaction as Red Devils survive in Group E at Euro 2024
The Belgian Red Devils squeezed through in second to face France in the last 16 with Ukraine the first side in Euros history to exit the tournament with four points from the group stage
Belgium drew 0-0 with Ukraine on Wednesday to reach the last 16 of Euro 2024 where they will face France, while the Ukrainians bow out following Group E's final match.
Romania finish as group winners after they drew with Slovakia 1-1 in the other match.
All teams finished on four points, but Romania pushed the Belgians into second on goals scored. Slovakia finished above Ukraine on goal difference to advance as one of the four best third-place finishers.
Domenico Tedesco's Belgium dominated possession in the tight contest, though it was Serhiy Rebrov's Ukraine who had more attempts on goal in the first half.
But the two teams cancelled each other out in the second period as Belgium clung on for a place in the knockout stage. Relive all the action and reaction from Ukraine v Belgium below:
Ukraine v Belgium
Belgium are unbeaten in the last 22 games when they have faced an opponent for the first time (W13, D9), with their last such defeat a 1-0 loss to Egypt in 1999.
Ukraine v Belgium
The sides have never met before, whether in a friendly or competitive match.
England’s route to the final: Possible opponents in the Euro 2024 knockout stages
England topped Group C at Euro 2024 in unconvincing fashion and are through to the knockout stages.
Gareth Southgate’s team toiled in all three matches, struggling to create chances as they edged Serbia 1-0, drew 1-1 with Denmark and then endured a drab 0-0 stalemate with Slovenia in their final game.
It was enough to win the group, however, mainly because all three matches not involving England ended in draws.
What is England’s route to the final of Euro 2024?
England’s biggest problem is now the easiest to solve
After about an hour on a hot, sticky night in Cologne, the England fans behind Jordan Pickford’s goal launched into a chant to the tune of the Great Escape, led by a banging drum and bellowed out with a renewed sense of purpose.
When it reached the end, they started again, repeating themselves for at least 15 minutes, going in the same cycles, sticking to the same rhythm in an endless drone. In a way, it was a fitting tribute to the players in front of them, given that was how England performed in this dismal 0-0 draw against Slovenia.
For a while, it was heart-warming stuff from the travelling number, a determination to enjoy themselves and provide their own entertainment even when Gareth Southgate’s failed side could not. There was a gallows humour to it, nothing else for it than pretending England were winning. “The fans were exceptional in the second half,” Southgate said.
England’s biggest problem is now the easiest to solve
Phil Foden temporarily leaves England’s Euro 2024 camp for urgent family issue
Phil Foden has left the England squad in Euro 2024 to return to the United Kingdom because of an urgent family issue.
The Manchester City winger, who featured in last night’s goalless draw with Slovenia, may be at risk of missing Sunday’s last-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen.
The FA did not confirm if and when Foden will come back to Germany.
Phil Foden temporarily leaves England’s Euro 2024 camp
Ukraine v Belgium team changes
Serhiy Rebrov makes three changes to the Ukraine team that defeated Slovakia 2-1 in their last outing. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Andriy Yarmolenko and Mykhailo Mudryk are out with Vitaliy Mykolenko, Oleksandr Svatokand Roman Yaremchuk brought in to replace them.
Ukraine will set up with a back five and hope to nullify Belgium’s attacking threat.
Their opponents make just one change to the starting XI that defeated Romania 2-0. Dodi Lukebakio is replaced with Leandro Trossard in the forward line.
Ukraine v Belgium line-ups
Ukraine XI: Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Svatok, Matviyienko, Mykolenko; Shaparenko, Brazhko, Sudakov; Yaremchuk, Dovbyk
Belgium XI: Casteels; Vertonghen, Faes, Theate, Castagne; De Bruyne, Onana, Tielemans; Doku, Lukaku, Trossard
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco previews the game:
“I can’t tell you the recipe for drawing a game: we only play to win. We won’t worry about permutations.
“If it comes to the last ten minutes or so, we know what to do to hang on to a result, but from the start there is no confusion: we are setting out to win it.
“I would be lying if I said this is just any old stadium and location for me. I grew up here; the first game I went to watch was a VfB [Stuttgart] game.”
Pre-match thoughts from Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov:
“Belgium are a very strong side. Before our group started, everyone knew Belgium were the favourites. In this competition, everything is possible.
“We have to think about how to play against this team. We have to be focused, because we have to win. We need to find the right balance.
“Every player has to understand we cannot just have players who defend and players who attack. It’s important that all the players understand their roles and play for each other.
“We need to get into the same mindset we had at the end of the game against Slovakia.”
Ukraine looking to secure fairytale ending to group stage
Ukraine’s Euro 2024 campaign got off to a shaky start as they were stunned 3-0 by Romania in their first match but managed to respond with a brilliant 2-1 comeback victory against Slovakia.
"We need to get into the same mindset we had at the end of the game against Slovakia," said Ukraine head coach Serhiy Rebrov who added that if his side were to win versus Belgium it would continue a "fairytale" for his country.
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