Euro 2024 Group E is wide open going into the final group stage matchday. All four teams – Belgium, Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania – are on three points after two matches.
Belgium have their fate in their hands. Will our algorithm predict a Belgian win over Ukraine?
Romania top Group E currently thanks to goal difference, with Belgium in second place. Slovakia occupy third, while Ukraine are fourth in the group due to goal difference. A win for any of the four teams on matchday No. 3 will send them into the knockout phase.
Right back at it. 💪 #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/S50OAuv33N— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 25, 2024
Right back at it. 💪 #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/S50OAuv33N
A loss for either Ukraine or Belgium will eliminate them from progression. Wednesday’s matches in Group E are essentially playoff ties. Win and progress, loss and go home.
However, there is a chance each team could finish on four points. In that case, goal difference will determine progression.
Belgium are heavy favourites ahead of the fixture, according to leading bookmakers. The Red Devils are expected to go through and fight for the tournament’s trophy in the knockout phase.
The two national teams have not met previously. Therefore, there are no head-to-head trends to dissect.
After an opening match loss to Slovakia 1-0, Belgium bounced back to defeat Romania 2-0. Youri Tielemans scored in the second minute and Kevin De Bruyne added a second in the 80th minute.
Belgium could have scored more goals. They bombarded Romania’s goal, tallying 20 shots with nine hitting the target. Belgium racked up 55% possession. Ukraine can expect a similar onslaught from Belgium.
Indeed, Ukraine were fortunate to still be in their game against Slovakia at halftime. After conceding a 17th minute goal, it looked as though Ukraine would conceded more.
Halftime saved Ukraine and they were a different team in the second period. Mykola Shaparenko scored in the 54th minute to equalise. Roman Yaremchuk scored the winner with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Belgium are unlikely to wilt like Slovakia did, making this a far more difficult task for Ukraine. Domenico Tedesco is in a must-win situation, which should lead to the manager playing his strongest squad possible.
De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku should start in attack, with Tielemans playing as part of a double pivot with Andre Onana. Tielemans did not start Belgium’s loss to Slovakia. His addition to the starting XI on matchday No. 2 improved the Belgian squad from the off.
Ukraine should stay in the match against Belgium, but in the end, the Red Devils should seal a narrow 0-1 win.