EURO 2024: Ukraine draws with Belgium and fails to reach playoffs

26.06.2024 21:02

The Ukraine national team concluded its EURO 2024 campaign in Germany with a match in Stuttgart against Belgium.

In the tournament, the Blue and Yellow team lost to Romania (0:3) and defeated Slovakia (2:1). In the third match of Group E, our team faced Belgium, which had previously lost to Slovakia (0:1) and defeated Romania (2:0). All four teams in the group had an equal number of points, making various outcomes possible today.

Serhiy Rebrov decided to play with a 5-3-2 formation. The head coach made three changes in the starting lineup, with Svatok, Mykolenko, and Yaremchuk starting. Mudryk and Tsygankov were unavailable for today’s match.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

The first chance was created by the Belgians in the 7th minute when De Bruyne passed forward to Lukaku, who sent the ball into Trubin’s hands under pressure. The match was generally dominated by slow tactical football. In the 20th minute, our team responded with a long-range shot by Yaremchuk on target. Both teams had some inaccurate attempts, including Dovbyk and Theate.

Ukraine had a few promising attacks, with Yaremchuk shooting wide after Mykolenko's cross. De Bruyne had a dangerous free-kick that went close to the post. Sudakov had a shot saved by Casteels, and Yaremchuk had a good chance in the penalty area but couldn’t pass to Dovbyk. Sudakov also had a free-kick on target, and Trubin made a save following another attempt by De Bruyne.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

In the second half, Belgium tried to increase the pressure on our half. Mykolenko was replaced by Zinchenko due to an injury. In the 65th minute, Lukaku found himself in a dangerous position, but Trubin managed to save his shot. Our defenders prevented Carrasco from getting a clean shot shortly after. In the 73rd minute, Carrasco combined with Lukaku, forcing Trubin to make another crucial save.

Ukraine responded with several good approaches to Casteels’ goal, but Dovbyk couldn’t finish them. In the 79th minute, Sudakov made a great pass to Dovbyk, whose shot went just wide. Later, Malinovskyi’s corner forced Casteels to clear the ball off the line.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Belgium launched a good attack with a blocked cross by Lukaku, and Bakayoko had a dangerous shot. Malinovskyi’s powerful strike was blocked by Castagne. In stoppage time, Sudakov’s shot from the edge of the box was saved by the keeper. The match in Stuttgart ended without goals. Given the 1:1 draw in the parallel match, Ukraine finished last in the group with four points.

EURO 2024. Final Tournament. Group E

Ukraine — Belgium — 0:0

Ukraine: Trubin, Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Svatok (Yarmolenko, 81), Matviyenko (c), Mykolenko (Zinchenko, 58), Shaparenko (Vanat, 70), Brazhko (Stepanenko, 70), Sudakov, Yaremchuk (Malinovskyi, 70), Dovbyk.

Substitutes: Bushchan, Lunin, Konoplia, Talovierov, Sydorchuk, Zubkov, Bondar, Mykhailichenko.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

Belgium: Casteels, Castagne, Faes, Theate, Vertonghen, De Bruyne (c), Onana, Tielemans (Mangala, 62), Trossard (Carrasco, 62), Lukaku (Openda, 90), Doku (Bakayoko, 77).

Substitutes: Kaminski, Sels, Debast, Vrancx, De Ketelaere, Vermeeren, De Kuiper.

Coach: Domenico Tedesco.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (England).

Yellow cards: Dovbyk (69) — Faes (43).

June 26. Stuttgart. Arena Stuttgart.

June 26. Slovakia — Romania — 1:1

Standings