EURO 2024: Belgium advances to last 16 despite Ukraine draw
Belgium advances to the Euro 2024 last 16 despite settling for a draw with Ukraine at Stuttgart Arena in Germany on Wednesday.
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BELGIUM ADVANCES TO LAST 16 DESPITE SCORELESS DRAW
Belgium advances to the last 16 despite a scoreless draw against Ukraine before disappointed Belgian fans at the stadium.
The result will also Belgium to join Romania and Slovakia into the next round.
Romania and Slovakia also advanced after the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw also on Wednesday.
Ukraine was eliminated despite finishing Group E with four points along with Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia.
However, Ukraine was last on goal difference.
TEDESCO COACH ‘SURPRISED’ AT FANS REACTION DESPITE BELGIUM GETTING QUALIFIED
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco was “a little bit surprised” by the fans’ reaction despite their team getting qualified to the next round.
The fans might have reacted negatively since Belgium will next face France and Kylian Mbappe in Dusseldorf on Monday.
“We are a little bit surprised. If the fans are whistling we have to accept. We can’t be disappointed,” the coach said.
“We are qualified which is the most important thing today. Now we face a top team,” he added.
Tedesco admitted the odds are against them against France but fans should remain positive of their team.
“We won’t be favorites against France but we know during a tournament you have to play the best,” Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne said.
“These are the games we’re looking for, and everything is possible,” Tedesco added.
REBROV ‘PROUD’ OF HIS PLAYERS AS UKRAINE ALMOST QUALIFIED
Furthermore, Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov was “proud” of his players after Ukraine almost qualified for the next round.
Ukraine’s 0-3 loss to Romania in their opening match proved to be a factor that cost them dearly.
“I’m very proud of the players. Of course, everyone is unhappy with the result, but there are no questions for the players,” Rebrov said.
“In the last two games, we showed the character of our nation. But this life, you make some mistakes, but then it’s important how you react,” he added.
Moreover, the result was not lost even to Ukrainian President Volodymyr, who praised Rebrov and his team.
“Today we thank the Ukrainian national football team. Despite the disappointing result, you fought for our country,” the president said on Telegram.
“A strong nation is one that remains united and supports each other at all times. Both in times of defeat and in times of victory,” he added.
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