GARY LINEKER labelled the Euros system “flawed” after Ukraine made unwanted history after being eliminated from the tournament.
Sergei Rebrov’s men followed up a 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening game with a 2-1 win over Slovakia.
Heading into the final round of fixtures all four Group E teams – Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine – were level on three points.
With Romania and Slovakia drawing, Ukraine knew only a win over Belgium would prevent them from finishing bottom and being knocked out on four points.
But they could only muster a goalless draw, despite going close on several occasions late in the game.
It means they are out of the Euros, while teams in other groups have advanced with four points.
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They are the first team to be knocked out of the Euros with four points since the tournament was expanded for the 2016 edition.
And an unhappy Lineker was quick to bring this quirk up as he criticised the format.
Speaking on the BBC, he said: “Well, Belgium have got themselves through but you feel for Ukraine.
“They did everything towards the end there, probably the better side overall but it’s heartbreak for them.
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“The first team to not make it through with four points, I do think this system is flawed at the moment.
“They need to look at it, I suspect, at some point.”
Second AND third place both went through with three points in Group C as Denmark and Slovenia progressed.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s draw with Belgium forces The Red Devils into a blockbuster last-16 showdown with France.
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England need superhero Bellingham back to have any chance of winning Euro 2024
JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024, writes Charlie Wyett.
Yet we have not seen much from the boy wonder since.
Maybe he left his cloak in the dressing room at Gelsenkirchen and is still looking for it.
But he needs to discover in time for the last 16 tie this weekend otherwise England are knackered.
Approaching the serious part of Euro 2024, this team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.
At times against Slovenia, Bellingham just looked lost.
Let’s hope he can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.
Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.
Read Charlie Wyett’s England vs Slovenia verdict in full.
Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 stories.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
