Belgium secured progression to the Euro 2024 knockout stage after a goalless draw on Wednesday, while Ukraine, despite earning four points in Group E, was eliminated due to goal difference.
Belgium will face France and Kylian Mbappe in Duesseldorf on Monday, acknowledging the challenge ahead. Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco stated, "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."
All four teams in Group E finished with four points. Romania topped the group, followed by Belgium and Slovakia. Ukraine finished last on goal difference.
Romania and Slovakia drew 1-1 in Frankfurt, securing their spots in the knockout stage.
Despite the backdrop of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine narrowly missed advancing and will finish with more points than at least one of the four best third-place teams. Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov commented, "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."
Late in the match, Ukraine's Ruslan Malinovskyi attempted a direct corner goal, saved by Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels at the near post.
Belgium, ranked third, faced challenges throughout, with Romelu Lukaku missing key opportunities, especially in the first half.
After the game at Stuttgart Arena, Belgian fans expressed discontent, while Ukrainian supporters displayed appreciation, including a tribute to fallen soldier Nazariy Hryntsevich.
"We wanted to bring them joy, to make them proud. We left it all on the field, but it wasn’t enough," said Ukraine defender Oleksandr Tymchyk.
Belgium now prepares to face France, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, with both teams having navigated a tougher group than anticipated.
"This group was tougher than many thought," Tedesco remarked. "On paper, you can be favorites, but you have to play the games and these teams have absolutely nothing to lose."
The stage is set for an exciting knockout phase as Belgium and France gear up for their clash.
