Ukraine and Belgium played to a draw, resulting in Belgium advancing to the next round in second place while Ukraine is eliminated, with all four teams ending with the same number of points.

An unimpressive Belgium will face France in the last 16 of Euro 2024 after being held to a 0-0 draw by a battling Ukraine side in Stuttgart.

Despite earning a deserved point from a tense battle, Ukraine’s journey in the tournament comes to an end as they finish bottom of Group E. All four teams in the group finished with four points after Slovakia and Romania drew 1-1 in Frankfurt.

The match itself had few chances, but Ukraine came close to snatching a victory in added time. Georgiy Sudakov produced a brilliant run, but his finish went straight into the arms of Belgium keeper Koen Casteels. Casteels also had to make a crucial save from a corner by sub Ruslan Malinovskyi, which almost crept in at the near post on 82 minutes.

Romania secured their place as group winners, with Belgium finishing second and Slovakia progressing as one of the best third-placed teams at the finals.

In the match highlights, there were a few notable moments. In the 8th minute, Kevin De Bruyne made a great little pass to set up Romelu Lukaku on the run, but Lukaku couldn’t generate enough power on the shot, making it an easy save for Ukraine’s goalkeeper Trubin.

In the 43rd minute, Ukraine had a golden chance to score as they found joy attacking the Belgium box. Yaremchuk overhit a pass across the face of goal, missing Dovbyk who was waiting to tap it in. It was a missed opportunity for Ukraine as Belgium survived.

In the 74th minute, Trubin came to Ukraine’s rescue by beating out an effort by Yannick Carrasco that was travelling towards the goal. Belgium also did well to thwart the threat of Artem Dovbyk at the other end, with Wout Faes being mindful at the back.

Belgium lived on the edge in the 82nd minute when Casteels made a fine stop to claw out a corner by sub Ruslan Malinovskyi at his near post. The ball was heading into the net, but Casteels managed to prevent the goal.

As the match approached its end, it was clear that one goal would decide the winner. In the 89th minute, Georgiy Sudakov produced a brilliant run, but his side-footed finish went straight into the arms of Casteels. The tension was palpable as both teams searched for a winning goal.

Overall, it was a lackluster performance from Belgium, but they managed to secure a spot in the last 16. They will now face a tough challenge against France, while Ukraine’s journey in the tournament comes to an end.