Ukraine First Team to Miss Euro 2024 Last 16 Despite Same Points as Romania, Belgium, and Slovakia

In a dramatic turn of events at Euro 2024, Ukraine became the first team to miss out on the last 16 despite finishing the group stage with the same number of points as Romania, Belgium, and Slovakia. 

The Group E showdown ended with all four teams tied on four points, but it was Romania, Belgium, and Slovakia who advanced based on their superior goal records.

Belgium secured their place in the last 16 after a goalless draw with Ukraine, a match that left Ukrainian players and fans devastated. 

Belgium's captain, Kevin De Bruyne, urged his teammates not to applaud the supporters at the final whistle in Stuttgart, as boos and jeers filled the stadium. 

Belgium's coach, Domenico Tedesco, acknowledged the fans' dissatisfaction but emphasized the importance of qualifying for the next round. 

Belgium will now face France in the knockout stage, finding themselves on a challenging side of the draw with powerhouses Germany, Spain, and Portugal.

Romania topped the group after a 1-1 draw with Slovakia, thanks to their higher goal tally. 

Slovakia also progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams, leaving Ukraine heartbroken as the first team since the tournament expanded to 24 teams to be eliminated with four points. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the national team for their effort and unity, despite the disappointing result, highlighting the nation's resilience amid ongoing conflict.

The final round of Group E matches was unprecedented, with all four teams entering the last game tied on points. 

This rare scenario heightened the tension and drama of the group stage. 

For Belgium, Leandro Trossard replaced the suspended Dodi Lukebakio, and the team donned kits inspired by the comic book hero Tintin. 

Ukraine, dealing with injuries to key wingers Mykhailo Mudryk and Viktor Tsygankov, adjusted their formation, starting Roman Yaremchuk after his crucial goal against Slovakia.

Ukrainian fans paid tribute to fallen comrades with a poignant banner featuring a portrait of a 21-year-old soldier killed in battle, generated by artificial intelligence using photos of 182 football fans who also lost their lives in combat. 

This powerful display underscored the ongoing sacrifices made by Ukrainians since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

The match itself was a tense affair, with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne leading Belgium's efforts. 

Lukaku had a few chances but was thwarted by Ukraine's goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin. 

Ukraine's Roman Yaremchuk also tested Belgium's Koen Casteels but couldn't find the breakthrough his team desperately needed.

As the game progressed, both teams had opportunities to score, but neither could capitalize. 

De Bruyne was visibly frustrated by a laser being pointed at his face during free-kicks, and Ukraine's Ruslan Malinovskyi nearly caused a late upset with a dangerous corner kick. 

In the dying moments, Belgium's defense held firm, and Ukraine's hopes were dashed as their players collapsed in despair at the final whistle.

Ukraine's exit is a harsh reminder of the fine margins in tournament football. 

Despite matching their group rivals in points, the intricacies of the tiebreaking rules—where goal difference and goals scored come into play—proved decisive. 

As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts to the knockout stages, but Ukraine's valiant effort will be remembered as a poignant chapter in Euro 2024.