New Delhi: In one of the most closely contested Groups of UEFA Euro 2024, Ukraine and Belgium, deemed favourites for reaching the last 16 places, will play for the top two finishes in Mercedes-Benz-Arena in Stuttgart (Wednesday, June 26). Both teams won their first game in Euro 2024 on Matchday two. Ukraine won 2-1 after being a goal down, while Belgium won 2-0 against Romania.
As the final matchday of Group E approaches, all four teams are at three points from their two games, a first in the Championship. This means all four sides have a clear shot at the knockouts, and none have been eliminated yet.
Ukraine started their tournament with a tough game, losing 3-0 to Romania. Their win over Slovakia ensured that Ukraine didn’t crash out of the tournament.
Mykola Shaparenko finished a cross from Oleksandr Zinchenko and brought his side back into the game. Roman Yaremchuk made up for his missed chance by scoring a brilliant touch and finish in the 80th minute and ensured the victory.
Ukraine have a great chance to reach the knockout stage. A win in this game could see them finish top in the group, better than Romania. If they draw and either Romania or Slovakia wins, it would still ensure they finish in third place and can find themselves in the final 16. If Slovakia and Ukraine lose their games, it would have little effect on their third-best-placed spot. However, Ukraine would hope to avoid the complications of such a scenario.
Belgium’s all-time high scorer, Romelu Lukaku, hasn’t yet found the net at Euro 2024. His performance took a toll in Belgium’s opening shocking loss to Slovakia. However, his team started on a different note in their game against Romania. Youri Tielemans scored a brilliant strike in 73 seconds. This is the quickest goal the Belgian team has scored in a major tournament.
Their second goal was Koen Casteels’ punt forward that went all the way through to Kevin De Bruyne, who then finished well for their number two goal. This was an important win for Belgium to stay in the knockout race.
Team news
Though Vitali Mykolenko earned no minutes on Matchday two, the Everton left-back was declared fit to play in Ukraine’s win over Slovakia. All of Ukraine’s players are fit to play the final group game.
Roman Yaremchuk and right-back Yukhym Konoplya are expected to sit out any potential last-16 tie if they pick up yellow cards in Stuttgart. However, Konoplya may lose out to Artem Dovbyk for the number nine place, despite his Euros-saving contribution last time out.
Anatoliy Trubin was selected over Lunin as the goalkeeper for the triumph over Slovakia. His performance will probably see him feature against Belgium. Zinchenko may return to his usual midfield position if Mykolenko is fit to start.
For Belgium, both Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier were ruled out in their win over Romania after both sustained injuries. Their participation is still doubtful. Dodi Lukebakio will serve his suspension.
Lukebakio’s suspension means either Leandro Trossard or Johan Bakayoko will return to the final third. Rennes defender Arthur Theate played down fitness concerns despite being forced off the field in the 77th minute after sustaining a blow to the thigh. Theate will be cleared to play as the defender, as will Jan Vertonghen, who, at the age of 37, is Belgium’s third-oldest player in a major tournament.
Head to Head
This will be the first time the two teams face each other in any game. Belgium have more wins in the tournament. They were runners-up in the 1980 edition and are one of the stronger sides between the two teams. Both teams will arrive in the match with a win in their previous game and it will be an evenly matched contest.
Predicted Lineup
Ukraine: Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Sudakov, Zinchenko, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Mudryk
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku
When, where and how to watch the Ukraine vs Belgium match in India?
The Ukraine vs Belgium UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 9:30 pm IST tonight.
Group E favourites Ukraine and Belgium will try to qualify for the knockout stages after arriving in the game on a winning note. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
