Ukraine v Belgium LIVE: Result and reaction as Red Devils survive in Group E at Euro 2024
The Belgian Red Devils squeezed through in second to face France in the last 16 with Ukraine the first side in Euros history to exit the tournament with four points from the group stage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Belgium drew 0-0 with Ukraine on Wednesday to reach the last 16 of Euro 2024 where they will face France, while the Ukrainians bow out following Group E's final match.
Romania finish as group winners after they drew with Slovakia 1-1 in the other match.
All teams finished on four points, but Romania pushed the Belgians into second on goals scored. Slovakia finished above Ukraine on goal difference to advance as one of the four best third-place finishers.
Domenico Tedesco's Belgium dominated possession in the tight contest, though it was Serhiy Rebrov's Ukraine who had more attempts on goal in the first half.
But the two teams cancelled each other out in the second period as Belgium clung on for a place in the knockout stage. Relive all the action and reaction from Ukraine v Belgium below:
Ukraine v Belgium predicted line-ups and latest odds
Here’s how we see the two teams lining up for tonight’s crucial Group E clash:
Predicted line-ups
Ukrain XI: Trubin, Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Matviienko, Zinchenkp, Shaparenko, Brazhko, Yarmolenko, Sudakov, Mudryk, Dovbyk
Belgium XI: Casteels, Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, De Cuyper, Onana, Tielemans, Carrasco, De Bruyne, Doku, Lukaku
And here are the latest odds for the game:
Ukraine 4/1
Draw 10/3
Belgium 8/13
What is the early team news?
Ukraine have nobody to worry about in terms of fitness or suspension, so it’s likely to be the same starting XI which saw them bounce back to beat Slovakia last time out. That means Anatolii Trubin should keep his place in goal and Artem Dovbyk will lead the line again.
Belgium do have a few absentees, but injury doubts Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier wouldn’t have been starting anyway. Dodi Lukebakio might have been a consideration on the flank but is suspended. Arthur Theate is the only other possible player to miss out with injury.
How to watch Ukraine vs Belgium
The match kicks off at 5pm BST on 26 June at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.
This game will be broadcast live on BBC One and can be streamed on the iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. For a full list of fixtures and TV channels across Euro 2024 click here.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Group E finale as all four teams have the potential to reach the knockout rounds and finish top of the group.
Romania currently hold top spot thanks to their opening win 3-0 victory over Ukraine. Belgium lost their opener to Slovakia but recovered with a 2-0 victory over Romania in matchday two. Ukraine then defeated Slovakia to leave all four teams with one win and one loss each from their two group games.
They are all positioned on three points apiece heading into this evening’s matches. Belgium take on Ukraine and Romania vs Slovakia with kick off at 5pm for both.
We’ll have all the build-up, permutations, team news and more so stick around.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments