The action in Group E of the UEFA Euro Cup 2024 concluded with Belgium and Ukraine competing in a frustrating 0-0 draw. The game was a rather tame spectacle for soccer supporters with neither of the two countries making a strong case for the victory. Kevin De Bruyne was undoubtedly the best player for Belgium while Ukraine’s Anatolii Trubin made some key saves to keep Belgium at bay.
The other two teams in Group E, Slovakia and Romania also shared the points in a 1-1 draw. The two results have shaped the final standings in the group. Romania has extraordinarily finished at the top and will reap the benefits in the round of 16. Belgium will also head into the next round, while Ukraine‘s journey in the European Championship is over.
Ukraine’s boss Sergiy Rebrov displays his tactical prowess
Ukraine went in with an altered formation against Belgium. The opening two matches against Romania and Slovakia saw Ukraine start with a 4-2-3-1 setup. However, Sergiy Rebrov was keen to work on a different tactic and shifted to a back five against the Belgians. The manager was aware that his side wouldn’t be able to compete with their opponents further up the pitch and hence decided to go in with a stable defense.
The thinking behind the strategy was pretty clear from the starting whistle. Ukraine was happy to hand Belgium the majority of the ball. Not conceding an early goal and being the victim of a goal-fest were the first objectives for Ukraine. As the game progressed, Rebrov widened the scope of his players and looked to hurt Belgium on the counterattack. Unfortunately, the decisive moment never came for the Ukrainians who will now take the long road back home.
Belgium to face France in the round of 16
Before the game, The Red Devils knew that a win would most likely secure them the first spot. A possible first-place finish would have benefited Belgium in the knockout rounds. France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal are all on the same side of the bracket and will now witness Belgium joining them. It is a pity to see five of the strongest nations on the same draw heading into the round of 16.
Domenico Tedesco will be greatly disappointed, especially considering that Romania could also only manage a draw against Slovakia. The top spot was very much there for the taking, had Belgium been clinical enough in front of the goal. Romelu Lukaku and the rest of the offense were visibly off the pace throughout the game, which led to Belgium never being in contention for the victory.