Belgium Secure Last 16 Berth, Ukraine Bow Out with a Draw In a thrilling Group A encounter at the Euro 2024 tournament, Belgium punched their ticket to the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ukraine, while the latter bid farewell to the competition with a hard-fought draw. Belgium dominated possession from the outset, probing Ukraine’s defense with incisive passing. However, the Ukrainian backline remained resolute, thwarting the Belgian forwards time and again. The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s corner kick found the head of Romelu Lukaku, whose powerful header flew into the net past a helpless Anatoliy Trubin. Ukraine refused to be disheartened, and they mounted a spirited comeback after the break. Andriy Yarmolenko came close to equalizing with a blistering shot that rattled the crossbar, while Oleksandr Zubkov also went agonizingly close. Despite their best efforts, Ukraine could not find a way past the Belgian defense, anchored by the colossal Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. As the final whistle blew, Belgium erupted in celebration, having secured their place in the knockout stages. Ukraine, on the other hand, left the tournament with their heads held high, having shown glimpses of their potential. Belgium will now face the runners-up of Group B in the Round of 16, while Ukraine will return home to prepare for future international challenges.Belgium and Romania Advance from Group E, Ukraine ExitsBelgium and Romania Advance from Group E, Ukraine Exits In a dramatic final matchday of Euro 2024, Belgium and Romania emerged victorious from Group E, advancing to the round of 16. Ukraine, despite finishing tied on four points with the other three teams, became the first team in the 24-team format to exit the tournament with such a result. Belgium’s goalless draw with Ukraine ensured their qualification, while Romania’s 1-1 draw with Slovakia pushed them to the top of the group due to a superior goal difference. Slovakia also progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams. Belgium’s Frustrated Fans Belgian fans erupted in fury after the whistle blew in Stuttgart, expressing their disappointment with their team’s performance. Captain Kevin De Bruyne told teammates to refrain from offering gratitude to the supporters as the boos and whistles intensified. Coach Domenico Tedesco acknowledged the fans’ reaction but emphasized the importance of qualification: “We have to accept it. We are classified, which is the most important thing today.” Ukraine’s Courageous Effort Ends Ukraine’s valiant run came to an end in heartbreaking fashion, becoming the first team in the 24-team format to fail to advance with four points. They honored fallen comrades by displaying a banner featuring the portrait of a soldier killed in battle. Despite the disappointment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the team’s efforts: “You have fought for our country.” Group E’s Historic Tie For the first time in the history of the European Championship, four teams in the same group reached the final matchday level on points. Belgium, Romania, Ukraine, and Slovakia all entered the last round with a chance to qualify. Belgian Captain Reflects De Bruyne acknowledged the tough challenge ahead against France in the next round: “We won’t be favorites, but we know that during a tournament, you have to play against the best.” Ukraine’s Supporters Show Resilience Ukrainian fans demonstrated their unwavering support despite their team’s elimination. They displayed a poignant banner honoring fallen soldiers, reminding the world of the ongoing conflict in their country.Belgium booked their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ukraine, while Ukraine’s hopes ended with a 2-2 draw against Finland. In a match delayed several times due to heavy downpours, Ukraine took an early lead through a stunning strike from Ruslan Malinovskyi. However, Belgium responded quickly through Romelu Lukaku’s header, and Jeremy Doku put them ahead before halftime. Ukraine pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half, but they were denied by a combination of brilliant goalkeeping from Thibaut Courtois and resolute defending from the Belgian backline. In the other match of the group, Finland and Ukraine played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Teemu Pukki gave Finland the lead, but Ukraine equalized through Vitalii Mykolenko. Pukki restored Finland’s advantage, only for Ukraine to level again through Oleksandr Zinchenko. The draw means that Finland finish third in the group and will have to wait to see if they qualify for the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams. Ukraine, meanwhile, are out of the tournament after failing to secure a top-two finish. Belgium will face Group B runners-up in the round of 16, while Finland face an anxious wait to learn their fate.