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Wednesday evening sees the conclusion of the closest group in Euro 2024 as Ukraine take on Belgium in Stuttgart and Slovakia face Romania.
Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium side recovered from a shock loss against Slovakia in their first match in time to beat Romania 2-0 last time out, and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and co. will be aware that they need another three points if they want to try and ensure first place in the group.
In their way stands a Ukraine team with similar fortunes – having been beaten in their opener by Romania, they recovered to beat Slovakia 2-1 in the next game. The two sides were the favourites to qualify from Group E, but a win for either of them may condemn them to third, or even fourth.
With all four teams in the group having won one game, Group E is perhaps the most intriguing group as we head into the final round of fixtures. Each team knows that a win guarantees them a place in the last 16, but one point is better than nothing, especially with the four best-performing third-placed teams qualifying too.
Can Belgium do it, or will they be condemned to the latest in a series of major tournament failures?
Follow the latest updates and reaction to Ukraine v Belgium below, as well as updates from the other Group E game as Slovakia face Romania:
Ukraine 0-0 Belgium
9 mins: De Bruyne receives the ball on the inside left channel, he spins towards goal then laces a fine pass into the box. Romelu Lukaku makes a run in between Vitaliy Mykolenko and Oleksandr Svatok and collects the ball inside the dangerzone.
He gets off a shot but it isn’t great and rolls softly into the hands of the goalkeeper. A decent attack from Belgium though who are starting to impose themselves on the game.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:09
Ukraine 0-0 Belgium
6 mins: Kevin De Bruyne sends a throw back into play and finds Arthur Theate. He slips a pass to Jeremy Doku who looks to weave his way into the penalty area.
Oleksandr Tymchyk marks him well and doesn’t allow the winger space to run meaning Belgium have to retreat from the left side of the box.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:07
Ukraine 0-0 Belgium
3 mins: Ukraine’s corner is sent short and comes into the box but doesn’t really trouble Belgium. The Red Devils look to build out from the back before Arthur Theate threads a pass up the pitch and looks to play Romelu Lukaku in behind the lines.
It’s a decent pass but slightly too heavy and goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoops it up.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:04
Kick off! Ukraine 0-0 Belgium
Belgium get the ball rolling against Ukraine. Their opponents, dressed all in yellow, press well with Roman Yaremchuk winning the first corner of the game.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:02
Ukraine v Belgium
Belgium suffered a shock against Slovakia in their opening match but will be hoping to put any doubts to bed with a strong performance tonight.
If they defeat Ukraine they will cruise into the next round but a defeat could mean an early exit.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 16:55
Ukraine v Belgium
Romelu Lukaku could become the first player to score for Belgium at five different major tournaments. He currently shares the record four with Jan Ceulemans and Kevin de Bruyne.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 16:50
Ukraine v Belgium
Belgium have won six of their last seven group matches at the Euros, with their only defeat coming against Slovakia at this tournament.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 16:45
Ukraine v Belgium
Belgium haven’t lost their final group game at any of their last six appearances at a major tournament (W5, D1) since a 2-0 loss against Turkey as co-hosts at Euro 2000.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 16:40
Ukraine v Belgium
Ukraine have failed to keep a clean sheet in all 13 of their games at the Euros – no other side has played more than five matches without at least one clean sheet.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 16:35
Ukraine v Belgium
Ukraine’s four wins at the European Championship have all been by a 2-1 scoreline including last time out against Slovakia.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 16:30