Belgium vs Ukraine player ratings: Romelu Lukaku endured another forgettable Euro 2024 match

Domenico Tedesco’s side entered the knockout rounds as runners-up in Group E, but they looked anything but challengers in Stuttgart

Belgium have progressed to the last 16 of Euro 2024, but after a 0-0 draw with Cheap Ukraine football shirts in their final Group E match, they will have to raise their game significantly if they are to have more success in this tournament.

Romelu Lukaku wasted the best chance of the first half in Stuttgart, latching onto a brilliant through ball from Kevin De Bruyne only to fire the ball into the arms of Anatoly Trubin. However, Ukraine created more chances before half-time, although they rarely troubled goalkeeper Koen Casteels.

The game continued in a similar pattern after the second half, with Belgium substitute Yannick Carrasco wasting a good counter-attack opportunity and stinging Trubin’s palm a few minutes later, while Artem Dovbek, last season’s top scorer in La Liga, caused trouble for Ukraine, and Georgy Sudakov scored in the final moments.

Ultimately, Cheap Belgium football shirts failed to meet France on Monday, and Ukraine’s late goal effort came to nothing, and they will still exit the competition despite taking 4 points in a close group.

Goalkeepers and Defense

Coen Casteels (6/10):

Dealt with a couple of balls shot directly at him in the first half, then nearly conceded a goal from a corner towards the end of the second half.

Timothy Castagne (6/10):

Did well on the right wing, but attacks often failed when his teammates lost possession. A crucial interception in the final moments kept his team in the game.

Wouter Faas (4/10):

Yaremchuk’s movement and physicality caused him problems, mis-passing when in possession, but did make a couple of key interventions in the second half to stop Dovbjerg’s build-up play. Booked.

Jan Vertonghen (4/10):

He sometimes stood still when Ukrainian players were running at him, which made him start to look his age.

Arthur Theatre (5/10):

Defended solidly enough and made some nice passes from the left to Doku, albeit with the odd wayward ball mixed in.

Midfielder
Youri Tielemans (5/10):

Unable to dictate play as he wished, due to relatively safe passes. Substituted after the hour.

Amadou Onana (5/10):

Kept Belgium ahead in midfield, but many times passed the ball too long, causing the tempo to slow.

Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):

As usual, he made a magical pass but was generally let down once it reached his teammates. He deserved better.

Attack
Leandro Trossard (3/10):

He barely tried as he lost possession at crucial attacking moments. He never really felt comfortable on the right before being substituted after an hour.

Romelu Lukaku (3/10):

He wasted a great early chance after a beautiful through ball from De Bruyne and seemed to slow down for much of the game. He did pass once to Carrasco in the second half but the substitute wasted the chance.

Jeremy Doku (4/10):

Wasted trouble on a couple of quick attacks but his decision making and final pass were lacking. Did not live up to his most exciting performances.

Subordinates and Managers
Orel Mangala (6/10):

Wanted to get the ball and add some solidity to Belgium’s midfield.

Yannick Carrasco (5/10):

Wasted a couple of promising breakaway chances, but did test Trubin with a ferocious effort in between.

John Bakayoko (5/10):

He curled a shot when he should have hit the target.

Lois Openda (N/A):

Substituted Lukaku late on.

Domenico Tedesco (4/10):

His team lacked pace and he should have brought Bakayoko and Oponda on earlier. It worked, but it wasn’t a great performance – now France is waiting for them.