Belgium advanced to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as group runners-up – but Ukraine exited the competition after a goalless draw in Stuttgart.
All four teams in Group E started the evening level on points and with a chance of progression.
But an inferior goal difference meant Ukraine knew their fate also depended on the outcome of Slovakia’s tie with Romania, which ended in an entertaining 1-1 draw in Frankfurt and the two progressed to the last 16 with Romania finishing top of the Group.
Ondrej Duda gave Slovakia a 24th-minute lead when got in behind the Romanian defence to power in a header from Juraj Kucka’s pinpoint cross.
Both sides showed plenty of attacking intent, and Romania equalised before half-time as Razvan Marin fired a ferocious penalty into the top corner after David Hancko fouled Ianis Hagi in the box.
They finished top, with Belgium second in the group after a draw with Ukraine, who were eliminated.
Slovakia advanced as one of the best third-placed sides and could face England in the last 16.
Ukraine were unable to make an impact in Stuttgart despite limiting Belgium to few chances but lacking a consistent attacking threat of their own until late on.
Leicester City’s Wout Faes was a standout performer in Belgium’s defence, making two crucial blocks late on to stop Artem Dovbyk testing goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
Roman Yaremchuk was also a sporadic outlet for Ukraine in the absence of injured Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk, while Ruslan Malinovskyi almost curled a corner past Casteels and inside the near post.
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne provided a sprinkling of much-needed quality as he curled a free-kick just wide in the first half.
Belgium, though, came closest to scoring when Romelu Lukaku scuffed a shot straight at goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin from close range, before substitute Yannick Carrasco tested Trubin too.
In the end, Domenico Tedesco’s side progressed having lost one, drawn one and won one of their three group matches. But they will need to improve with World Cup finalists France up next in the last 16.
The result was a disappointing blow to Ukraine, who became the first team to win as many as four points yet finish bottom of their group at the Euros.
