The final group games at Euro 2024 take place on Wednesday, with four in total and two from Group E. It's a tightly packed group, all four teams have one win and three points, so nothing splits them. In this one, we've got the original first and second favourites to win the group going head to head, as Ukraine play against Belgium, both knowing just how much is on the line here.
Ukraine Form GuideFor three out of the four halves they have played at Euro 2024, I've been incredibly disappointed with Ukraine. They've lacked any real spark, and got thumped in their opening game 3-0 by Romania. They did win their last game, a 2-1 success over Slovakia, but they were 1-0 down and playing poorly in that, until a late turnaround.
The group standings mean everything is to play for, they could finish first, and could finish last, but what we do know is that Ukraine have the toughest game on paper, and need to be a lot better than what we've seen so far. A full 90 minute performance would be a start, but even then, they may still not have enough to beat a side with the quality of Belgium
Belgium Form GuideAn opening day loss to Slovakia 1-0 got Belgium off to the worst possible start. But looking at how they played in their second game, that might have just been the wake up call they needed. It was much more like the Belgium we all know in game two, a 2-0 win over Romania, attacking with intent, led by Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, and threatening the Romanian goal on many occasions.
The outcome here is likely to be determined by which Belgium shows up. The one from the first game would give Ukraine a chance here, but if the same Belgium team turns up that won game two, then I think they will be too strong and overpower their opponent, as they would with most teams.
Match PredictionI am siding with a Belgium win here. Their first performance will stick in the memory, but they've moved on, and can resign that long in the memory with a win here. I fancy Belgium to win this, and in turn, qualify for the knockout phase.
