Many will feel Group E doesn’t offer much intrigue at Euro 2024 after Belgium, who has also struggled to fulfill expectations of a championship with this current core. That could lead this group to be overlooked when it comes to performance. However, the second and potentially third spots in the knockout rounds are truly up for grabs with no clear-cut contender outside of Belgium. That puts heightened importance on every match and makes this group more exciting despite the lack of household names.
Here’s a look at the standings and results in Group E at Euro 2024.
Group E Standings
Romania, 1-1-1, 4 points, +1 GD
Belgium, 1-1-1, 4 points, +1 GD
Slovakia, 1-1-1, 4 points, 0 GD
Ukraine, 1-1-1, 4 points, -2 GD
Group E Results
Romania 3, Ukraine 0
Despite being dominated in terms of possession, Romania really did make the most of its limited opportunities with three goals to stun Ukraine in the opening match of the group stage. Nicolae Stanciu got the scoring going for the underdogs, who added two goals quickly at the start of the second half to create a commanding 3-0 lead en route to the win.
Slovakia 1, Belgium 0
The pressure of expectations can be a burden to any side, but it’s clear Belgium came into this contest overlooking Slovakia. An early goal from Ivan Schranz changed the entire complexion of this game and Belgium was never able to recover. Romelu Lukaku did have two goals ruled out by VAR, so there’s some reason for optimism going forward for Belgium given they did create chances. However, it’s the first loss for the team under new manager Domenico Tedesco and there now might be more questions about his controversial roster decisions after this setback.
Ukraine 2, Slovakia 1
After a rough opening game where it conceded three goals to Romania, Ukraine bounced back with a crucial win over Slovakia to set itself up for a chance at qualification to the knockout round. Ivan Schranz once again grabbed an early goal for Slovakia but Ukraine slotted home two chances in the second half to take all three points. Slovakia was unable to build off its win against Belgium and will now have work to do against Romania in the final match to have a shot at qualification.
Belgium 2, Romania 0
Youri Tielemans scored the third-fastest goal ever in Euro history to get Belgium off to a flying start, and Kevin De Bruyne added a late insurance goal to secure the win. Belgium did get a test from Romania in the early part of the second half and Romelu Lukaku’s struggles with VAR continue, but now every team in this group is on 3 points to set up a fascinating final group stage matchday.
Romania 1, Slovakia 1
There were two goals early in this contest but neither side took many risks in the second half. Romania got through with the draw, while Slovakia are likely to progress through the third-place rankings.
Ukraine 0, Belgium 0
It’s a shame for Ukraine, who finish with four points but fail to qualify for the knockout round since they finish fourth in the group. Belgium had some great chances early in this match but ultimately decided to see out the contest rather than go for the winning goal. Ukraine made some desperate pushes late and came up short, becoming the first team in Euro history to get four points while failing to advance.