Belgium managed a tense 0-0 draw against Ukraine, securing second place in Group E and setting up a last-16 clash with France.
Ukraine, finishing at the bottom of the group due to goal difference, was eliminated behind Slovakia.
Romania emerged as group winners after a 1-1 draw with Slovakia.
With all teams tied at four points, Romania edged Belgium into second place based on goals scored.
Slovakia advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, surpassing Ukraine on goal difference.
As the final games kicked off, all four teams were neck and neck, leaving no room for error.
A win would have guaranteed progress for any side, leading to an aggressive hunt for goals from the start.
Early in the match, Kevin De Bruyne set up Romelu Lukaku with a precise pass in the seventh minute, but Lukaku’s misfire set the tone for Belgium’s evening.
Ukraine’s strategy was defensive, with five at the back and aggressive pressing all over the pitch. Despite their defensive focus, they created opportunities.
Roman Yaremchuk’s unselfish decision to pass instead of shooting proved costly when his pass to Artem Dovbyk was too strong and went across the goal harmlessly.
By halftime, all four teams had only one point, with Romania and Slovakia locked at 1-1 in Frankfurt. Ukraine, needing a win, shifted tactics in the second half.
Serhiy Rebrov’s triple substitution in the 70th minute didn’t yield the desired effect. Belgium’s Yannick Carrasco nearly scored with a powerful shot, which Anatoliy Trubin parried away.
Malinovskyi almost scored directly from a low corner, but Koen Casteels reacted quickly, and Taras Stepanenko headed over the bar from the subsequent corner as Ukraine intensified their attack.
Belgium had a late opportunity when Bakayoko’s shot narrowly missed the far post. In stoppage time, Georgiy Sudakov wasted a crucial chance for Ukraine after a swift counter-attack, firing directly at Casteels.
The match ended in a draw, securing Belgium’s progression but met with boos from the stands due to another lackluster performance. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s campaign came to a disappointing end.
