Ukraine 0-0 Belgium: Belgium set up France showdown as Ukraine crash out of Euro 2024

In the first ever encounter between Belgium and Ukraine, the two nations played to a goalless draw. Both teams ended up with four points in Group E of the UEFA European Championships, with Dominic Todesco’s squad finishing second to Romania based on goals scored.

Ukraine found themselves at the bottom due to goal difference, especially after their significant loss to Romania in the first match.

As all four teams in the group had three points before the match, the stakes were high.

Belgium dominated the game from the start, utilizing a high press strategy against Ukraine's defensive setup.

Despite Ukraine's solid defense, Kevin De Bruyne managed to find openings and create opportunities.

In the seventh minute, he set up Romely Lukaku, but Lukaku failed to convert the chance against Anatoliy Trubin.

Following a strong start, Belgium encountered difficulties as the Ukrainian defense held their ground, frustrating their opponents.

As the first half progressed, Serhiy Rebrov's team began to gain momentum, but their attempts only resulted in half-chances that did not challenge Koen Casteels in the Belgian goal. Consequently, both teams entered halftime without scoring.

The struggles continued for both sides after the break, with neither goalkeeper facing any significant tests.

Romelu Lukaku had an opportunity just after the 60-minute mark, cutting in from the right, but his shot lacked power and was easily collected by Trubin.

The introduction of Yannick Carrasco in the 62nd minute injected much-needed energy into the game.

He came close to breaking the deadlock by cutting in from the left and unleashing a shot from the edge of the box, but Trubin made a strong save.

Ukraine's Ruslan Malinovskyi came closest to scoring with a corner kick that almost caught Casteels off guard, curling towards the goal. However, the goalkeeper made a crucial save right on the goal line.

Ultimately, both teams failed to find a goal, and Slovakia and Romania's 1-1 draw in Frankfurt meant that goal difference and goals scored would determine qualification.

Belgium's path to the Round of 16 becomes even more challenging as they face France next..