Belgium secured a spot in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 after a lackluster 0-0 draw against Ukraine, setting up a daunting clash against France.
The match in Stuttgart failed to deliver the expected excitement, with Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium side struggling to break down their resilient opponents.
Despite early promise from Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium failed to capitalize on their chances.
Ukraine, relying on swift counter-attacks, nearly found success through Artem Dovbyk and Roman Yaremchuk but couldn’t convert their opportunities.
Ukraine, with an average age of 25 years and 189 days, fielded their youngest starting lineup in Euro history, reflecting coach Serhiy Rebrov’s tactical adjustments.
Belgium, in their blue and brown away kit inspired by Tintin, lacked their usual attacking flair, managing just four tackles in the entire game, a record low for a Euro match.
Romelu Lukaku, despite attempting the most shots (10) in the tournament and leading with seven shots on target, was unable to find the net once again in Germany.
Substitute Yannick Carrasco and Lukaku combined well late in the game, testing Ukraine’s goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin, who remained resolute.
As the match ended in a stalemate, Belgium’s draw secured their second-place finish in Group E, setting up a high-stakes encounter against tournament favorites France.
Meanwhile, despite finishing level on points with other teams in the group, Ukraine bowed out on goal difference, marking the first elimination at Euro 2024 with four points.I’m
