Euro24: Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia Reach Euro 2024 Last 16, Ukraine Falls Short

 



Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia clinched their places in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Wednesday, while Ukraine's journey ended in heartache following a thrilling end to Group E. A 1-1 draw between Romania and Slovakia in Frankfurt secured the necessary points for both teams to advance, while Ukraine's determined 0-0 draw with Belgium wasn't enough. All four teams finished the group stage with four points, but Ukraine's initial 3-0 loss to Romania left them at the bottom of the group due to goal difference.


Belgium, initially favored to dominate the group, now faces a formidable opponent in France in the last 16 after finishing second. Slovakia, advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, will discover their next opponents, along with Romania, after Wednesday's final Group F matches.


Belgium's mix of seasoned players and new talent has yet to fully shine in Germany. Their supporters voiced their discontent at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne seemingly advising his teammates not to acknowledge the booing crowd.


Ukraine made history by becoming the first team since the Euros expanded to 24 teams to not progress from the group stage with four points. Under Serhiy Rebrov's leadership, they came agonizingly close to victory, with Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels narrowly preventing a corner from crossing the line and denying Georgiy Sudakov a stoppage-time winner. Despite their exit, the Ukrainian players received a hero's reception from their fans.


In Frankfurt, Romania reached the Euros knockout stages for the first time in 24 years by coming from behind to secure a draw. Slovakia took the lead in the 24th minute with an Ondrej Duda header. Romania equalized 13 minutes later when Ianis Hagi, son of former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Gheorghe Hagi, won a penalty that Razvan Marin converted emphatically.


The second half saw continued intense exchanges, further enlivened by lightning, heavy rain, and a challenging pitch.

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