Belgium hope not to be the biggest victim of the group stage when they play the final round of Group E on Wednesday, as they aspire to qualify for the round of 16 of Euro 2024. Belgium started the group in the worst way after losing to Slovakia 0-1, but they made up for it in the second round by beating Romania 2-0.
Coach Domenico Tedesco’s side find themselves in a difficult position on Wednesday when they face Ukraine in Stuttgart, especially since the four teams in the group have three points and any of them is capable of taking the first two places qualifying for the round of 16, without entering into the calculations of qualification among the best third-placed groups.
Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates in the “Red Devils” team are seeking to make up for it and reach the round of 16 of Euro 2024, and this will be achieved if they avoid defeat against Ukraine, with the possibility of topping the group as well if they get the three points and Slovakia does not win against Romania. Like Belgium, Ukraine started their journey with a 0-3 loss to Romania, but they regained their balance in the second round, and beat Slovakia 2-1.
A victory over Belgium will be the key to Ukraine qualifying for the quarter-finals, while it will finish third in the event of a draw, coinciding with the second match not ending in a draw either. Ukraine will be completely out of the competition if its loss is accompanied by a win or draw for Slovakia.
As is the case with Belgium, Romania will need a draw to qualify for the final 16 for the first time in 24 years, while Slovakia will qualify if it wins. If the two matches end without a winner, Romania will qualify first against Belgium due to the result of the direct confrontation between them, while Slovakia will be third against Ukraine.
In Group 6, where Portugal booked its first ticket by beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the first round, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Georgia are competing for the second ticket.
Turkey face the Czech Republic on Wednesday in Hamburg. Turkey is in second place, two points behind the Czechs and Georgia, who will face a tough task against Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates, who are also guaranteed to finish first. A draw will be enough for Turkey to secure second place, while they will fail to qualify if they lose and Georgia beats Portugal.
As for the Czechs, a victory over Turkey will not be enough to secure runner-up and qualify without being considered for third place, as this must be accompanied by Georgia not beating Portugal. Georgia will secure runner-up if it obtains the three points and the Czech Republic wins over Turkey, provided that the goal difference is in its favor or the conditions that follow for breaking the tie (goals scored, fair play, classification).