Belgium, Romania, Slovakia Advance to Euro 2024 Last 16, Ukraine Bow Out

Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia have secured their spots in the last 16 of Euro 2024, while Ukraine's valiant efforts fell short in a thrilling conclusion to Group E.

Romania's 1-1 draw with Slovakia in Frankfurt earned both teams the point they needed to advance. Ukraine's spirited 0-0 draw with Belgium proved insufficient, as they finished bottom of the group on goal difference due to their opening game defeat to Romania.

Belgium, despite being heavily favored, struggled to dominate the group and will now face a formidable opponent in France in the last 16. Slovakia, as one of the best third-placed teams, awaits their last 16 opponents, along with Romania.

Belgium's blend of experienced veterans and rising stars has yet to fully impress in Germany. Their fans expressed their frustration at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne urging his teammates to avoid acknowledging the jeers.

Ukraine became the first team since the Euros expanded to 24 teams to fail to advance from the group stage with four points. They came agonizingly close to a winner against Belgium, but goalkeeper Koen Casteels denied Georgiy Sudakov in stoppage time.

Despite the disappointment, Ukraine received a hero's welcome from their supporters. President Volodymyr Zelensky praised their fighting spirit, emphasizing the importance of unity in both victory and defeat.

In Frankfurt, Romania secured their first knockout stage appearance at a Euros in 24 years. Slovakia took an early lead, but Ianis Hagi, son of legendary Romanian player Gheorghe Hagi, earned a penalty that Razvan Marin converted to level the score.

Tags: #Euro2024, #GroupE, #Belgium, #Romania, #Slovakia