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The final matchday of Group E concluded with everything still up in the air, but both matches ended in draws, leaving the standings unchanged. Belgium and Ukraine played to a goalless draw, resulting in mixed emotions for both teams. Ukraine finished last in the group and is out of Euro 2024, while Belgium, finishing second, now face a daunting Round of 16 match against France, and potentially Portugal in the quarters.
Disappointment and Resilience
Ukraine showed resilience and briefly glimpsed the knockout stage, but ultimately fell short. Belgium, on the other hand, continued to underwhelm. The Red Devils, despite high expectations, have struggled to impress, and face an uphill battle ahead. Their fans, justified in their frustration, voiced their discontent with boos at the final whistle.
Belgium fielded the same lineup as in their victory over Romania, with Doku replacing the suspended Lukébakio. The team started strong, dominating possession early. Lukaku had a golden opportunity to score right from the start but failed to convert, with Trubin, once again starting in goal, displaying solid defense.
Tactical Struggle
Without Tsygankov and Mudryk, Ukraine’s coach Rebrov set up a compact 5-4-1 formation. The Ukrainians executed a tactical masterclass in the first half, swiftly transitioning to attack with precise passing. However, their efforts were thwarted by poor finishing and long-distance shots that lacked accuracy.
Belgium, who ended the first half with 60% possession, struggled to capitalize on their ball control. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance from De Bruyne, the Red Devils only threatened the Ukrainian goal twice: Lukaku’s early chance and a free kick from De Bruyne that almost caught Trubin off guard.
Second Half Surge
In the second half, De Bruyne’s quality shone brighter. The Manchester City midfielder orchestrated plays with quick, effective thinking, creating dangerous opportunities with minimal touches. Doku’s pace and explosiveness on the left wing also caused problems for Ukraine, but his lack of precision let him down.
As Belgium relied heavily on individual talent, Ukraine, visibly fatigued, found it increasingly difficult to mount counterattacks. The gap between their defense and midfield grew, limiting their offensive options.
Rebrov’s substitutions revitalized Ukraine in the closing stages, allowing them to threaten the Belgian goal once more. During this period, Belgium launched several counterattacks, but De Bruyne’s brilliant setups were wasted by his teammates, leaving the game goalless.
Key Player: Kevin De Bruyne
Undoubtedly, Kevin De Bruyne was Belgium’s standout performer. He created numerous chances and dictated the tempo, but his teammates failed to match his vision and execution. De Bruyne’s efforts deserved a better outcome. On the Ukrainian side, Sudakov also delivered an impressive performance, showcasing his creativity.