Belgium Advances to Knockouts with Goalless Draw Against UkraineBelgium Advances to Knockouts with Goalless Draw Against Ukraine Stuttgart, Germany โ Belgium has secured a spot in the round of 16 of UEFA EURO 2024 after a goalless draw against Ukraine in a tense match at the Stuttgart Arena. Ukraine’s hopes of progressing ended as they finished fourth in Group E. The first half saw both teams start cautiously, with neither side able to create clear-cut chances. Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne created the first opportunity, but Romelu Lukaku failed to connect with his through ball. De Bruyne also came close with a free-kick that narrowly missed the target. In the second half, Belgium dominated possession but struggled to break down Ukraine’s defense. Lukaku had another chance, but his curling shot was saved by Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Ukraine made a triple substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on fresh legs to search for a winning goal. However, Belgium remained the more dangerous team, with Yannick Carrasco forcing a save from Trubin. Artem Dovbyk had a golden opportunity to put Ukraine ahead ten minutes from time, but he fired into the side netting. Georgiy Sudakov also had a chance in the dying minutes, but his shot lacked power. In the other group match, Slovakia and Romania drew 1-1. All four teams finished with four points, but Romania topped the group on goal difference, followed by Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Release Date: June 27, 2024, 9:20 AM Article Image: Belgium and Ukraine players during the goalless draw.
Both teams got off to a tense start at the Stuttgart Arena, with a lot on the line in the group as all four teams started the evening with an equal number of three points.
Release date – June 27, 2024, 9:20 AM
Stuttgart: Belgium are through to the round of 16 of UEFA EURO 2024 after finishing second in Group E with a 0-0 draw against Ukraine, whose hopes of progress ended when they finished goalless here on Wednesday evening.
Both teams got off to a nerve-wracking start at the Stuttgart Arena, with a lot at stake in the group as all four teams started the evening with three points each.
Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne created the first clear chance of the match and started a maze before sending a fine through ball to Romelu Lukaku, who was unable to connect well with his shot from close range, leaving the Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin could easily gather. .
De Bruyne then came close himself when he tried to catch Trubin 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, but Ukraine held firm. Lukaku tried his luck again with a curling attempt that Trubin saved.
Ukraine needed a goal, and they made a triple substitution in the 70th minute as they went all out to unlock the Belgian defense in search of victory. But it was Belgium who still showed the most threat, with Yannick Carrasco firing a shot that was well palmed away.
Ten minutes from time, Artem Dovbyk’s eyes lit up as he received the ball in space on the edge of the penalty area, but the Ukrainian striker could only fire into the side netting as time started ticking.
In the final moments, Georgiy Sudakov started a brilliant solo run. The goal seemed to be there for the taking, but his shot from just inside the penalty area lacked power and once again there was no way out for Ukraine.
While Slovakia and Romania drew 1-1 in the other group match, all teams finished on four points. Belgium finished second behind Romania based on goals scored, while Ukraine finished fourth due to the greatest goal difference.
