UEFA EURO 2024 Group B : Belgium V/s. Ukraine Match Preview and Lineups

UEFA Euro 2024 Group Stage

25 June, 2024 - Indian Date

Stuttgart Arena

MATCH TIMES

India

9:30 PM

UAE

8:00 PM

Saudi Arabia

07:45 PM

FULL TIME

Belgium [0-0] Ukraine

Predicted Lineups:

Belgium possible starting lineup: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku

Ukraine possible starting lineup: Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Sudakov, Zinchenko, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Dovbyk, Mudryk

Match Preview

The extremely tightly-contested Euro 2024 Group E comes to a head on Wednesday evening, as Ukraine and Belgium, the original two favorites for last-16 places, face off at the MHPArena in Stuttgart. Both nations got off the mark at the second attempt last time out, with Serhiy Rebrov's side fighting back from a goal down to sink Slovakia 2-1, while the Red Devils were 2-0 victors against Romania. Anything and everything is still possible on the final matchday of Euro 2024 Group E, in which all four sides boast three points from their opening two fixtures – an all-time first at the Championships – but the Ukrainians currently reside at the bottom of the pile due to their inferior goal difference.

After conceding three goals to Romania in their opening match, Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin lost his place in goal for Ukraine's matchday two clash. Ukraine were on the verge of seeing their Euros adventure end prematurely when Ivan Schranz scored for Slovakia. However, Mykola Shaparenko's calm finish from Oleksandr Zinchenko's cross brought Ukraine level, and Roman Yaremchuk's late goal secured a dramatic comeback victory. Ukraine will guarantee a top-two ranking if they win against Belgium, and could even finish first in the section if they better Romania's result. A draw could suffice for third place, potentially allowing them a path to the last 16 if there is a winner in the Romania vs. Slovakia match.

For Belgium, all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku's scoring struggles at Euro 2024 continued, but his teammates stepped up in their second match. A 73rd-second strike from Youri Tielemans set Belgium on the path to victory against Romania, with Kevin De Bruyne adding a second goal. This win currently places Belgium second in the group, and they only need to avoid defeat against Ukraine to guarantee a knockout place. They can secure first place if they triumph and Slovakia only manage a draw or lose to Romania. Conversely, a loss coupled with a Romania win or draw would see Belgium face another dismal group-stage exit following their 2022 World Cup disappointment.

Ukraine enters the match with all players fit, including Vitaliy Mykolenko, who was available for selection against Slovakia but did not play. Yaremchuk and right-back Yukhym Konoplya will need to avoid yellow cards to be available for any potential last-16 tie. Anatoliy Trubin is expected to retain his position in goal after his strong performance against Slovakia, while Zinchenko may return to his usual midfield role if Mykolenko is fit to start.

Belgium faces injury concerns with Axel Witsel (adductor) and Thomas Meunier (thigh) doubtful for the match, and Dodi Lukebakio serving a suspension. This suspension opens the door for either Leandro Trossard or Johan Bakayoko to return to the final third. Rennes defender Arthur Theate, who left the pitch with a thigh injury in the 77th minute against Romania, has played down fitness concerns and should be available. Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen, now the third-oldest man to play for Belgium at a major tournament, is also expected to reprise his role in defense.

This decisive match will determine which team advances in the tournament, with both Ukraine and Belgium vying for a place in the knockout rounds and potentially the top spot in Group E.