The Red Devils will close their Euro 2024 group stage with a match against Ukraine at the Stuttgart Arena tonight (18:00). Concurrently, Slovakia and Romania’s match is key to the group’s standing as all teams are on three points.
Belgian manager Domenico Tedesco will have to adjust his strategy due to Dodi Lukebakio’s suspension. Lukebakio’s yellow card during the game against Romania — the second of the tournament — has excluded him from the final group stage match. He has been replaced by Leandro Trossard.
During a press conference, Tedesco announced that Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel would be unavailable for this key match. Meunier returned to the team on Monday after a three-week absence following a thigh injury, while Witsel is still recovering from a setback that occurred the day before the second pool game.
Following a defeat against Slovakia (0-1) and a victory against Romania (2-0), Tedesco clarified that the Red Devils are not counting on any probabilities but aiming for the win.
Belgium’s qualification into the next round could be determined by two scenarios ahead of these matches. Belgium will proceed to the second stage, finishing first or second, if it avoids a defeat against Ukraine.
Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco and Belgium's Leandro Trossard look dejected after the Euro 2024 game between Belgian national football team Red Devils and Slovakia, Monday 17 June 2024 in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany. Credit: Belga
First place will be secured with a win against Ukraine and a victory or draw for Romania. However, Belgium will finish third in the group if Slovakia and Ukraine both secure wins.
Belgium’s progression is in jeopardy if it suffers a defeat and Romania manages at least a draw.
Belgium will closely monitor the match between Slovakia and Romania, which both teams’ managers have confirmed they aim to win – even though a draw would also ensure their automatic qualification.
Full lineup of the Belgian Red Devils: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne (c); Trossard, Lukaku, Doku.
