Ukraine host Belgium in a winners-take-all showdown in the final round of Group E fixtures at UEFA Euro 2024.
Victory would see Ukraine advance with a top-two finish but a draw would be enough if Slovakia’s clash against Romania doesn’t end in a draw, whilst Belgium will progress with a top-two finish if they avoid defeat here.
Team News
Vitaliy Mykolenko is the only doubt for Ukraine after he missed their two group matches so far with a foot injury.
Belgium will be without Dodi Lukebakio who is suspended for this clash after he picked up two yellow cards in their first two group matches.
When is Kick-Off?
Ukraine take on Belgium at MHPArena, Stuttgart, on Wednesday 26 June at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time), live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Ukraine’s first-ever meeting against Belgium in all competitions.
- Belgium have crashed out at the Group Stage in two of their last five participations at the Euros – of which had involved a group phase unlike in 1972 when they finished third.
- Ukraine have exited at the group stage in two of the last three editions of the Euros.
- Mykhailo Mudryk has registered more shots in Ukraine’s opening two games than any other Ukrainian player (6).
- Five of Romelu Lukaku’s eight shots for Belgium at this tournament have been on target.
Prediction
With so many mathematical permutations in play and sat bottom of the group, Ukraine simply need a clinical performance and victory if want any chance of progressing but they first need a much better first half with more composure than saw against Romania and Slovakia.
Belgium meanwhile were simply clinical against Romania but were certainly made to work physically for the win, but that win would of given them confidence to kick on now but they will need patience to break down Ukraine.
Throw in the different qualification scenarios which all certainly involve Ukraine needing a strong result and luck to go their way, I can see Belgium soaking up the pressure but defeat could be costly so expect both teams to go for it and a draw could be the likely outcome.
Prediction: Ukraine 1-1 Belgium
Result: Ukraine 0-0 Belgium