Belgium finalized their Euro 2024 group stage campaign, with an encounter against Ukraine. Belgium existed in Group E alongside Slovakia, Romania, and also Ukraine. However, after two games each of them was able to grind out three points.
Only Goal difference had distinguished them in the table. Belgium with 3 points had lost to Slovakia in the first Group game. They secured their 3 points when they won 2-0 against Romania. To get a more secure qualification into the knockout, they’ll need to defeat Ukraine. Nonetheless, a draw will do well for them.
Ukraine also with 3 points need a compulsory win to qualify. As already their goal difference had placed them at a disadvantage. They lost 3-0 to Romania in their first game. After they won Slovakia 2-1. Which gave them their three points, but with a low goal difference.
A draw against Belgium will mean they’ll have to pray either Romania or Slovakia beat the other. Moreover, things seemed to end up complicated for both sides.
Belgium held to draw: First Half
The game started with both teams going full out. After a while, Belgium tried to take control of the game. The Red Devils began to take control and began to pressure Ukraine. This forced Ukraine into a state of defense. As they couldn’t go toe to toe with Belgium’s fierce attack.
Chances came for Lukaku, but the Roma star couldn’t find the net. Ukraine had its fair share of opportunities too. Girona star Dovbyk failed to find the net at an instance.
However, Ukraine tried as much as possible to maintain a balance in the game. Even though they were without their electrifying winger Mudryk. In the end, both sides couldn’t find the net in the first half.
Second Half
The pressure became worse for both sides. Belgium increased the intensity of the attack. More chances came for Belgium, with De Bryune, Lukaku, and Doku failing to find the net.
However, Ukraine held on hopefully, despite their lack of control of the game. Soon an opportunity came for Dovbyk. But his indecisiveness in front of the Belgium keeper got him dispossessed, thereby squandering the chance.
Belgium made some changes causing the tempo to reduce. This gave Ukraine more opportunity to control the game. But this didn’t stop Carrasco from troubling Ukraine’s goalie.
The closest opportunity came for Ukraine, as a corner was whipped in, and X made a goal-line save to deny Ukraine the win.
The game eventually ended in a draw.
Belgium coach Tedesco’s Assessment of the game
“We arrived at the stadium in circumstances I never saw before,” Tedesco said. “It took one hour to come from the hotel with a police escort. The road was completely free, but they slowed down to 20-25 kilometers per hour. Every traffic light was red. I had two minutes to make a preparation talk and we had to reduce the warmup. It’s unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable.
Everything is happening here. Everything is allowed. We can have a delay of one hour and not delay the game for 15 minutes. Laser pens were being shone in our eyes. There were many things in the first game and we still qualified, that’s why I’m so proud of the players.
Of course, we are a little bit surprised. For us, it was very important to qualify. We lost the first game and then things are not that easy, because if you concede one goal you are out. I have no message for the fans other than that we need them.”
More Hurdles to come
Belgium’s draw against Ukraine allowed both of them to end up with 4 points. Alongside Slovakia’s 1-1 draw against Romania, all teams in Group E came out with 4 points. An occurrence that has never happened in the Euros.
This made Goal difference the tiebreaker. Unfortunately for Ukraine, they were the poorest in that aspect. Belgium however finished second based on it. This set them up for a scintillating encounter against France in the round of 16.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
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