Euro 2024 Group E comes to a decisive close on Wednesday evening as Ukraine and Belgium, the initial favourites for the last-16 spots, face off at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Stuttgart.
Both nations earned their first points in their second-group matches. Ukraine staged a comeback to defeat Slovakia 2-1, while Belgium secured a 2-0 victory over Romania.
Entering the final matchday, all four teams in Group E have three points from their opening two fixtures—a first in the tournament’s history. However, Ukraine sits at the bottom due to an inferior goal difference.
Ukraine’s Euros campaign was nearly cut short when Ivan Schranz scored for Slovakia, but Mykola Shaparenko’s finish and Roman Yaremchuk’s late goal turned the tide.
Ukraine can secure a top-two finish with a win and could even top the group depending on Romania’s result. A draw might suffice for third place if there is a winner in the Romania-Slovakia match, while a loss could still see them through depending on other outcomes.
Belgium, meanwhile, rebounded from an opening loss to Slovakia with a record-breaking quick goal by Youri Tielemans against Romania. Kevin De Bruyne added a second, sealing the Red Devils’ vital victory. Belgium needs only to avoid defeat to guarantee progression, with a win potentially securing first place in the group.
Belgium’s all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku is yet to find the net at Euro 2024, but Tedesco’s men are optimistic given their form, having lost only once in their last 17 matches.
Team news sees Ukraine with nearly all players fit, though concerns linger over Viktor Tsygankov. Yaremchuk and Yukhym Konoplya face suspension risks. Belgium will miss Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier due to injuries, while Dodi Lukebakio is suspended.
Prediction: Ukraine 1-2 Belgium
Visit https://fortebet.ug/#/app/registration to sign up and bet on ForteBet.
