Belgium’s encounter with Ukraine in the final group stage match of Euro 2024 ended in a goalless draw. Despite securing a place in the Round of 16 by finishing second in Group E, Belgium’s performance in Stuttgart needed to be more convincing. Significant improvements are necessary to advance further in the tournament. Here’s a detailed review and player ratings from the match.
Match Analysis
First Half:
Belgium had several promising moments in the first half, with Romelu Lukaku squandering the best opportunity. He failed to capitalize on a brilliant through-ball from Kevin De Bruyne, shooting straight into the hands of Ukraine’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Ukraine created more chances as the half progressed but rarely troubled Belgium’s goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
Second Half:
The second half continued similarly, with both teams unable to break the deadlock. Belgian substitute Yannick Carrasco wasted a great counter-attack opportunity and later forced a save from Trubin. On the Ukrainian side, Artem Dovbyk caused problems for the Belgian defense, and Georgiy Sudakov almost scored in the match’s dying moments.
Ultimately, Belgium avoided a meeting with France in the next Round. At the same time, Ukraine’s late efforts did not result in a goal, leading to their exit from the tournament despite earning four points in a competitive group.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence:
Koen Casteels (6/10): Handled a few straightforward shots in the first half and narrowly avoided conceding from a late corner.
Timothy Castagne (6/10): He was active on the right flank, but team moves often broke down due to lost possession. He made a crucial block late in the game.
Wout Faes (4/10): Struggled with Yaremchuk’s movement and physicality, misplaced several passes, but made vital interventions to deny Dovbyk in the second half. Booked.
Jan Vertonghen (4/10): Showed signs of aging, often static against Ukrainian attackers.
Arthur Theate (5/10): Defensively solid and delivered excellent passes to Doku on the left despite occasional wayward balls.
Midfield:
Youri Tielemans (5/10): Unable to control the game as desired, with relatively safe passing. She was substituted after an hour.
Amadou Onana (5/10): Kept the midfield ticking but often slowed the tempo with delayed passes.
Kevin De Bruyne (7/10): He displayed his usual brilliance with magical passes, but his teammates should have capitalized on his efforts. He deserved more support.
Attack:
Leandro Trossard (3/10): Struggled significantly, losing possession in critical moments, and never looked comfortable on the right. She was substituted after an hour.
Romelu Lukaku (3/10): Missed a golden early chance and appeared off the pace. Did set up a chance for Carrasco in the second half, but the opportunity was wasted.
Jeremy Doku (4/10): Showed flashes of pace but lacked decision-making and final product. Not at his best.
Substitutes & Manager:
Orel Mangala (6/10): Provided some stability in midfield and was keen to get on the ball.
Yannick Carrasco (5/10): Wasted promising breakaways but forced a good save from Trubin.
Johan Bakayoko (5/10): He missed an excellent chance to score, curling his shot wide.
Lois Openda (N/A): Came on for Lukaku in the final minute, no significant impact.
Domenico Tedesco (4/10): His team needed more tempo and creativity. Substitutes Bakayoko and Openda should have been introduced earlier. Their performance was far from impressive, and France is awaiting them in the next Round.
Conclusion
Belgium’s performance against Ukraine left much to be desired. Despite advancing to the knockout stages, their lack of dynamism and clinical finishing raised concerns. With a stricter opponent like France on the horizon, Domenico Tedesco’s side must find their rhythm and elevate their game to make a deeper run in Euro 2024.
