NOS Voetbal•gisteren, 19:56
View the abstract of Ukraine-Belgium
Belgium has efficiently reached the eighth finals of the European Soccer Championship. The Pink Devils performed a nerve-wracking 0-0 draw in opposition to Ukraine in Stuttgart, which was eradicated by the 1-1 draw at Slovakia-Romania.
The Belgians completed second in Group E and are actually getting ready for a confrontation with France on Monday, July 1 in Düsseldorf.
Within the ultimate standings of group E, all nations had 4 factors from three matches. Romania has one of the best purpose distinction.
NOSThe ultimate standings in group E
After the false begin in opposition to Slovakia (0-1) and the liberating 2-0 win over Romania, the Belgians appeared for affirmation. Is the European Championship type of nationwide coach Domenico Tedesco’s staff rising? The reply left little room for doubt after the match: not but.
Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne, set the tempo and had probably the most ball possession, however there was not a lot creativeness and journey within the Pink Devils’ recreation.
The Belgians didn’t do their Tintin outfit justice. For the primary time on this European Championship, the gamers wore the match jersey that’s primarily based on the clothes of the Belgian comedian hero.
Ukraine, in flip, stored issues tight on the again and appeared increasingly usually in entrance of Belgium’s purpose midway via the primary half.
Striker Roman Jaremchuk hit the fists of goalkeeper Koen Casteels with a ball and moments later, after a pleasant Ukrainian assault, he shot too arduous to succeed in the incoming Artem Dovbyk.
Belgium then created a superb likelihood for Romelu Lukaku. The unlucky AS Roma striker, who has already had three objectives disallowed at this European Championship, mowed over the ball after a go from De Bruyne.
Reuters Kevin De Bruyne, absolutely the playmaker of the Belgian staff
Belgium tightened their thumbs after a questionable begin to the second half. Jérémy Doku shot large after a person motion and Lukaku’s try lacked energy. Substitute Yannick Carrasco discovered a gap, however couldn’t shock goalkeeper Anatolij Troebin.
Nervousness
The rating between Slovakia and Romania (1-1) additionally made the match extra nervous, as Belgium knew {that a} defeat may have catastrophic penalties, together with elimination from the European Championship.
And Ukraine, which wanted a purpose to advance, didn’t play full assault for worry of a Belgian counter.
It supplied a pleasant ultimate section for the impartial spectator. Ruslan Malynovskyj was near Ukrainian glory when he went for a purpose with a turning nook, however the attentive goalkeeper Casteels was capable of flip the ball simply earlier than the road.
AFPGoalkeeper Koen Casteels parries the ball in entrance of the purpose line after a nook from Roeslan Malynovskyj
On the opposite facet, substitute Johan Bakayoko missed a superb likelihood after a Belgian counter, however the PSV participant curled the ball large.
Belgium was nonetheless scared when Heorhij Sudakov had the nook discovered after a robust rush, however the Ukrainian positioned the ball precisely within the palms of goalkeeper Casteels.
Flute live performance by our personal followers
Regardless of qualifying for the following spherical, the Pink Devils had been handled to a flute live performance by the Belgian followers afterwards.
Captain De Bryune then ordered his choice to go to the dressing room as a substitute of thanking the viewers.
Veteran Jan Vertonghen additionally scratched his head when he heard the whistle. “Sure, there’s disappointment as a result of we didn’t win. However being whistled at after we certified… It’s the first time I’ve skilled that,” he informed Het Laatste Nieuws.
“De Bruyne then determined to return and go in collectively. I perceive that. He’s the captain and may make that call.”
