Euro 2024: Belgium scrape into last 16 as Ukraine suffer heartbreak exit

Belgium scraped into the last 16 of Euro 2024 after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine on Wednesday as all four teams in Group E finished with four points.

Romania took top spot ahead of Belgium after scoring more goals in the group following their 1-1 draw with Slovakia, who also go through as one of the four best third-placed sides. Romania's reward is going into the weaker half of the draw where they will play a third-placed team in Munich, with a full five days of rest before that game on Tuesday.

Belgium supporters reacted furiously at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne appearing to tell his teammates not to go over to acknowledge them as the whistles and jeers grew louder.

They will play France in the next round on Monday in Dusseldorf and have landed themselves on the tougher side of the draw which also features hosts Germany, Spain and Portugal.

Ukraine's brave run came to an agonising end as they became the first team since the tournament increased to 24 teams not to progress with four points. However, in stark contrast to Belgium's rebuke, the Ukrainians were still handed a hero's reception at the end by their band of supporters.

"A strong nation is one that remains united and supports each other at all times. Both in times of defeat and in times of victory," wrote Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram. "Today we thank the Ukrainian national football team. Despite the disappointing result, you fought for our country... Glory to Ukraine!"

Ukrainian fans unveiled a banner displaying the portrait of a 21-year-old soldier who died in battle last month, an image generated by artificial intelligence using the photos of 182 football fans also killed in combat.

Romania, Belgium and Slovakia