Euro 2024

BELGIUM are taking on Ukraine RIGHT NOW in their Group E finale.All four teams head into the final match day level on three points as Slovakia and Romania play at the same time in Frankfurt.England’s last-16 opponents could be whichever team ends the day third in Group E.TV channel: BBC OneFREE live stream: BBC iPlayer Ukraine team: Trubin, Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Svatok, Matviyenko, Mykolenko, Shaparenko, Brazhko, Sudakov, Yaremchuk, DovbykBelgium team: Casteels, Castagne, Vertonghen, Faes, Theate, Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Trossard, Doku, LukakuGROUP E TABLE LIVEEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Ukraine 0-0 Belgium5. Anthony Taylor asks Ukraine keeper Anatoliy Trubin for a feel of the football, presumably checking that it is suitably inflated.Either that or he has itchy feet for a kickabout himself like when you walk past a game in the park.Copy linkCopiedUkraine 0-0 Belgium3. It’s Ukraine making the fast start here.Serhiy Rebrov’s men won the game’s first corner within 23 seconds – well delivered and well defended – and now Mykolenko is getting at the Belgians down the left flank again.His low cross is confidently claimed by Casteels.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Ukraine v Belgum1. Here we go! Anthony Taylor gives the signal, and it’s Belgium – such fast starters against Romania – that get the game underway.Domenico Tedesco’s team are in beautiful Tintin inspired away kit of light blue shirts and brown shorts; Ukraine are in their traditional all yellow.Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!We’ve had blistering sun, we’ve had heavy rain, but now the clouds have cleared – and hopefully the picture in Group E will begin to clear over the next two hours too.Captains Mykola Matviyenko and Kevin De Bruyne lead their respective sides out at the Stuttgart Arena, the pair flanking English official Anthony Taylor.The national anthems are belted out with real emotion – so often the case when Ukraine are involved – but now there’s a job for the players to focus on.The Ukrainian players remove the blue and yellow flags draped over their shoulders, and come together in a huddle for some final words of inspiration and encouragement.It’s time for kick-off.Copy linkCopiedLeandro gets the nodLeandro Trossard has a questionable cameo against Romania on Saturday, guilty of failing to play in well-placed teammates on at least two occasions.However, Domenico Tedesco has opted for the Arsenal man to replace the suspended Dodi Lukebakio ahead of the impressive Yannick Carrasco.Ahead of kick-off, the Belgium head coach has been explaining his reasons why.It wasn’t easy to leave Carrasco out of the team, but Trossard fits better in our plan to attack Ukraine.Domenico TedescoUefa.comCopy linkCopiedBelgian experience against Ukrainian YouthDomenico Tedesco has once again packed his Belgian team with experience.The Red Devils’ spine of Koen Casteels, Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are all in their thirties.In contrast, the Ukraine starting XI has the youngest average age of Euro 2024 so far at 25 years and 189 days.It is also the most youthful side that the Blue and Yellow have ever named at a major tournament.Copy linkCopiedSuper sub bringing good ChukThe Ukrainian hero on Friday was Roman Yaremchuk.Off the bench with 23 minutes remaining, the Valencia striker conjured up the winning goal late on with a majestic first touch and finish – just when his country needed it most.Yaremchuk has now been involved in five goals in his last seven appearances for Ukraine in all competitions, scoring three and assisting another two.Four of those goal involvements have been as a substitute with the 28-year-old averaging a goal or assist every 53 minutes across those seven games.Copy linkCopiedEuros form just like KevinKevin De Bruyne sealed a superb individual performance with a late goal to seal a 2-0 success against Romania last time out.It meant that the influential midfielder has now been directly involved in 31 goals in his last 32 appearances for Belgium in all competitions (12 goals and 19 assists).The 32-year-old has scored three goals in his last five games for his country – as many as he had in the previous 17 beforehand.Copy linkCopiedTrossard in for suspended LukebakioIt’s just a single change to Belgium following their impressive performance against Romania in Cologne four days ago.Wide man Dodi Lukebakio is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament, and so his place is taken in the attack by Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard.Otherwise it’s the same starting line-up for Domenico Tedesco, who has 31-year-old Romelu Lukaku up top; 32-year-old Kevin De Bruyne in midfield, and 37-year-old Jan Vertonghen at the back.Belgium (4-3-3): 1 Casteels; 5 Vertonghen, 4 Faes, 3 Theate, 21 Castagne; 7 De Bruyne, 24 Onana, 8 Tielemans; 22 Doku, 10 Lukaku, 9 TrossardSubs: 12 Kaminski, 13 Sels, 2 Debast, 11 Carrasco, 16 Vranckx, 17 De Ketelaere, 18 Mangala, 19 Bakayoko, 20 Openda, 23 Vermeeren, 25 De CuyperCredit: @BelRedDevils on XCopy linkCopiedRebrov reshuffles pack without MudrykSerhiy Rebrov makes three changes to the side that started against Slovakia – with two of his Premier League stars missing out, and another returning to the fold.There’s no sign of Mykhailo Mudryk in the squad at all while Oleksandr Zinchenko is only on the bench.But Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko is back in at left-back following his recent injury concern.Also in for Ukraine is Oleksandr Svatok and goalscoring hero from the last game, Roman Yaremchuk.The other play to miss out for the Blue and Yellow is 34-year-old captain Andriy Yarmolenko.Centre-back Mykola Matviyenko takes the armband, and looks set to be part of a new-look back three.Ukraine (5-3-2): 1 Trubin; 24 Tymchyk, 13 Zabarnyi, 3 Svatok, 22 Matviyenko, 16 Mykolenko; 19 Shaparenko, 18 Brazhko, 14 Sudakov; 9 Yaremchuk, 11 DovbykSubs: 1 Bushchan, 23 Lunin, 2 Konoplia, 4 Talovierov, 5 Sydorchuk, 6 Stepanenko, 7 Yarmolenko, 8 Malinovskyi, 17 Zinchenko, 20 Zubkov, 26 MykhailichenkoCredit: @uafukraine on XCopy linkCopiedNations set for debut contestToday’s encounter at the Stuttgart Arena will be the first ever meeting between Ukraine and Belgium.Serhiy Rebrov’s Blue and Yellow should be wary though; the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 22 matches when facing a side for the first time (W13 D9).The last defeat in such a game was a 1-0 international friendly loss to Egypt in March 1999.Copy linkCopiedGroup incredibly E-ven StephenIt could not be closer in Group E with all four sides locked together on three points and numerous permutations possible on a final afternoon of football.Perhaps the most ominous one is the fact that a draw between Slovakia and Romania will take both of those nations through to the knockout stages.It would mean the outcome of the game here in Stuttgart becomes particularly important; if Belgium win or draw, they will progress regardless of the result elsewhere while Ukraine must win in the scenario of a carve-up tie in Frankfurt.Ukraine could progress with a draw, but it would require a winner in the Slovakia – Romania match in order for them to seal a route as one of the best third-place finishers.Slovakia v Romania (5pm)Ukraine v Belgium (5pm)Credit: uefa.comCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon from StuttgartWelcome to live SunSport coverage of Ukraine against Belgium at Euro 2024.It’s matchday three in Group E and it could not be tighter.All four nations involved are locked together on three points with one game to play, bringing goal difference into play.Belgium bounced back from opening match defeat to beat Romania on Saturday, and they will cement their place in the Last 16 by avoiding defeat here.However, if they wish to top the group and book the supposedly easier path to the final then a win is essential; an outcome that Ukraine need themselves if they are to realistically prolong their Euros campaign.Serhiy Rebrov’s side have also fought back to give themselves a real chance of progression.A 3-0 defeat to Romania first up was shambolic, but the Blue and Yellow dug deep at the weekend to record a 2-1 comeback victory against Slovakia.It’s all set up for a dramatic and emotional early evening of football.It’s a 5pm kick-off in Stuttgart, and confirmation of the two teams is imminent. 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SLOVAKIA are taking on Romania RIGHT NOW as the race for a spot in the last-16 of Euro 2024 heats up.All four teams in Group E are sat on three points as Belgium take on Ukraine in  Stuttgart at the same time.Whichever country ends the day third placed could potentially face England in the last-16 on Sunday.TV channel: BBC TwoFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerSlovakia team: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, HaraslinRomania team: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M Marin, R Marin, Stanciu; Coman, Dragus, HagiGROUP E TABLE LIVEEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Slovakia 0-0 Romania 3 mins: Romania have their first expedition into the Slovakian half as they look to put themselves on top.The threat is dealt with, neither team look like they are playing for a draw just yet…Copy linkCopiedSlovakia 0-0 Romania 1 min: A quick start from Slovakia as they pump the ball forward.There were a couple of opportunities to let fly from range but both were blocked by the Romanian defenders. Copy linkCopiedPEEP PEEP Off we go, Slovakia gets us underway.Copy linkCopiedKick off nearsThe match will get started at the Frankfurt Arena in the next two minutes.Group E has already served up some brilliant matches, hopefully we will see another one today.Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedHow the teams are set upHere is how the teams have been set up for the crunch match.Credit: UEFACopy linkCopiedHow the group looksHere is a reminder of how close Group E is ahead of the match.With Hungary and Croatia already finishing third with three and two points respectively, it is now GUARANTEED four points will be enough for both Romania and Slovakia to make it through.Credit: XCopy linkCopied30 mins to goCopy linkCopiedA view from SunSport’s Martin Lipton from the Frankfurt ArenaA draw puts both teams through, defeat will see one go out if Belgium and Ukraine draw. What would you do? I think we could have 20 minutes of footballing infamy. Fifa moved to play the final group games simultaneously after the “Disgrace of Gijon” in 1982, when West Germany and Austria agreed a 1-0 win for Die Mannschaft, eliminating Algeria and putting both through.But with third place teams progressing, we have a situation when a mutually beneficial result is clear.There are other elements at play, though.If Belgium are winning easily, then the jeopardy of defeat goes out of the window. In that case, a Slovakia win would give them the group on the head to head rule – making the top half of the draw even more lop-sided, with Belgium playing France in the last 16.Unless Belgium do not win, Romania can only come second at best – meaning France. And finishing third means Spain or Portugal. Hobson’s choice.By the way, it’s hot in Frankfurt. Baking hot. Stultifyingly hot. Brutal.Not that it has stopped the fans coming to party. And, if it goes as I suspect it will, they will both be partying long into the night.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedSlovakia in high spiritsSlovakia assistant coach Marek Hamšík has insisted that the team in is high spirits ahead of facing Romania.The mood is really good.We are ready to fight. Everybody knows how important a game we have in front of us and we will do everything to be successful.Regarding the line-up, there is one change: instead of Róbert Boženík we will start with David Strelec up front.Marek Hamšík Copy linkCopiedOdds?Here are the odd for Slovakia vs Romania…Slovakia – 15/8Draw – 10/11Romania – 3/1Provided by Betfair.Copy linkCopiedHistory for RomaniaA result for Romania could see them progress to the Euro knockout stages for just the second time in its history.The last time the team made it that far was 24 years ago in Euro 2000.Romania beat England in their final group game to qualify for the latter stages.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedRomania have ‘no fear’Nicolae Stanciu has insisted that Romania does not fear anybody and is determined to qualify for the Euro 2024 knockouts.We reached a point where there was nothing and nobody to fear.We know what we can do for Romania and what we can offer.We know our strengths as a team and, as such, good things are bound to come.We have players with tremendous quality and when everyone works for the team, we are all conscious of what we can achieve together.There are no reasons to be fearful.Nicolae StanciuCopy linkCopiedLine ups announcedHere is how Romania and Slovakia line up today.Slovakia team: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, HaraslinRomania team: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M Marin, R Marin, Stanciu; Coman, Dragus, HagiCopy linkCopiedForm so farBoth Romania and Slovakia have won one game and lost one.Romania stunned the Ukraine in their opening match with a 3-0 win.However, they were then dispatched by Belgium 2-0.Slovakia beat Belgium 1-0m in their first Euro 2024 match before being beaten by Ukraine 2-1.Credit: SplashCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHow the group looksHere is a look at Group E in full…Credit: GoogleCopy linkCopiedSlovakia vs Romania!Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Slovakia vs Romania in Group E.The group is finely poised with all four teams on three points heading into the final match.Copy linkCopied More