Football

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.

Slovakia and Ukraine will face off in a crucial Euro 2024 Group E match on Friday, June 21, with Slovakia aiming to secure a spot in the knockout stage.Slovakia stunned Belgium 1-0 in their opening game, while Ukraine suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Romania. Both teams will be eager to improve their performances and secure a positive result.Slovakia's victory over Belgium was a testament to their resilience and determination. They defended stoutly and took their chances when they came. Ukraine, on the other hand, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Romania and will need to be more clinical in front of goal.Ukraine boasts a talented squad, including goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and forward Mykhailo Mudryk. They will be hoping that their star players can step up and deliver a better performance against Slovakia.The match will be played at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany, and will kick off at 6:30 PM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Slovakia will be looking to build on their impressive start to the tournament, while Ukraine will be desperate to bounce back from their opening defeat. Both teams have the potential to qualify for the knockout stage, but only one can emerge victorious from this crucial encounter.

In a stunning upset at the European Championship, Slovakia stunned Belgium 1-0 on June 17, 2023, in a match marred by two disallowed Romelu Lukaku goals.Slovakia struck early, with Ivan Schranz scoring in the seventh minute after a defensive error by Belgium's Jérémy Doku. Despite Belgium's dominance in possession, they struggled to break down Slovakia's resolute defense, which featured two 37-year-old outfield players.Lukaku, Belgium's record scorer, had two goals ruled out by video review. His first was overturned for offside, while the second was deemed to have been handled by Loïs Openda before his pass to Lukaku.Belgium's frustration was compounded by a brave goal-line block from Slovakia's Dávid Hancko, who left the field with a face injury after colliding with a teammate's knee.Slovakia's victory was their first in the European Championship finals and a triumph for their Italian coach, Francesco Calzona. The win also preserved the record of two 37-year-olds starting a match in the tournament, which could be broken if Portugal selects Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe on Tuesday.Belgium, who had won 14 consecutive qualifying matches under Domenico Tedesco, suffered their first loss in 15 games. They now face Romania on Saturday, while Slovakia will take on Ukraine on Friday.

Belgium vs Slovakia: Euro 2024 Group E Clash PreviewBelgium, one of the tournament favorites, will face Slovakia in a highly anticipated Group E encounter at the Euro 2024 in Frankfurt on Monday. Despite their impressive roster, Belgium has yet to claim a major title in recent years. However, the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who missed most of the Euro 2024 qualifiers due to injury, provides a significant boost to their hopes.Slovakia, on the other hand, impressed during their qualification campaign and will be eager to upset their more illustrious opponents. The match promises to be a fascinating clash between two teams with contrasting strengths and ambitions.Belgium: A Contender with a Point to ProveBelgium boasts a star-studded squad featuring the likes of De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard. They are renowned for their attacking prowess and possession-based style of play. However, they have struggled to translate their individual brilliance into collective success at major tournaments.The presence of De Bruyne, who has been in scintillating form for Manchester City, will be crucial for Belgium's chances. His creativity and vision will be key to unlocking the Slovakian defense. Lukaku, the team's all-time leading scorer, will be looking to add to his tally and provide a focal point for the attack.Slovakia: Underdogs with a Surprise in Store?Slovakia may not possess the same star power as Belgium, but they have shown great promise in recent years. They qualified for the Euro 2024 with an impressive record, finishing second in their group behind Spain.The team is led by Marek Hamšík, a veteran midfielder who has been a key figure for Slovakia for over a decade. Other notable players include Milan Škriniar, a solid defender, and Róbert Mak, a dangerous winger.Slovakia will likely adopt a more defensive approach against Belgium, looking to frustrate their opponents and hit them on the counterattack. They will need to be disciplined and organized to contain Belgium's attacking threats.Match Details:* Date: Monday, June 17 (IST)* Venue: Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt* Time: 9:30 PM IST* TV Channels: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and website