Group E at EURO 2024 brings diversity and challenges, with four different teams competing for advancement to the next stage. Each of them—Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, and Romania—brings its unique football heritage and characteristics, promising unforgettable matches and intense competition on the field.
Ukraine
Embed from Getty ImagesUkraine has shown exceptional perseverance and determination through qualifying, securing a spot in EURO 2024 despite playing all matches away due to the situation at home. Despite a painful loss to Italy securing Italy’s automatic spot in EURO, Ukraine responded remarkably, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in the UEFA Nations League playoffs to secure qualification.
This marks Ukraine’s fourth qualification for the European Championship. With talents like Chelsea’s Mykola Mudryk, Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, and Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ukraine stands a realistic chance to advance to the knockout stage in Germany.
While Belgium is favored in the group, Slovakia and Romania must not underestimate Ukraine, capable of surprising and performing well. The team has proven its ability to overcome challenges and deliver strong performances, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament. Fans eagerly anticipate Ukraine’s performances at EURO 2024, hoping their players showcase their true potential on the European stage.
Slovakia
Embed from Getty ImagesSlovakia had luck in the qualifying draw, notably facing Luxembourg as their main competitor for the second spot in the group. However, Italian coach Francesco Calzona has done an outstanding job since taking over the team in November 2022, earning him a contract extension with Napoli until the end of the season.
During qualifiers, Slovakia accumulated a total of 22 points, despite narrow defeats to Portugal both at home and away. While Calzona’s team is unlikely to strike fear into opponents in Germany, they can rely on two quality players: defender Milan Škriniar from Paris Saint-Germain and midfielder Stanislav Lobotka from Napoli.
The draw was relatively favorable, with Belgium expected to top Group E, leaving Slovakia to battle Romania and Ukraine for the second spot. Slovakia will have the opportunity to face these challenges and demonstrate their potential on the European stage. Fans eagerly anticipate their team’s performances at EURO 2024, hoping Slovakia achieves success in the group stage of the tournament.
Belgium
Embed from Getty ImagesBelgium, despite enduring tough moments at the 2022 World Cup, is now returning stronger and ready to compete at Euro 2024. Their campaign at the previous World Cup did not meet expectations, especially after controversies surrounding Kevin De Bruyne led to locker room divisions, resulting in a disappointing group stage exit for the Red Devils.
However, Belgium swiftly recovered from those challenges. Key striker Romelu Lukaku regained form, becoming a pivotal force with a record 14 goals in qualifiers. New coach Domenico Tedesco took charge post-World Cup debacle, successfully rejuvenating the team. Belgium has remained undefeated under Tedesco, showcasing encouraging performances in friendly matches.
Now, with De Bruyne in form and Lukaku leading the charge, Belgium prepares for Euro 2024. Despite a slight disappointment in a friendly against England, their overall performance has been promising. Drawn in a group with Romania, Ukraine, and Slovakia, Belgium has a solid opportunity to showcase their quality and contend for advancement in the tournament.
Romania
Embed from Getty ImagesRomania has recently shown signs of resurgence on the football scene under coach Eduard Jurjănescu. Despite missing out on the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2020, as well as failing to qualify for Russia 2018, Romania has secured a spot at EURO 2024.
Under Jurjănescu’s guidance, Romania achieved notable results in qualifiers, drawing in four of their first eight matches but clinching qualification with a crucial 2-1 victory over Israel. A pivotal moment came when they defeated second-placed Switzerland, securing first place in their group.
Romania’s squad is not particularly strong, as reflected in friendly matches against Northern Ireland and Colombia. However, they compensate for a lack of a standout scorer with a solid defense and contributions from various attackers. Denis Alibec, Valentin Mihaila, and captain Nicolae Stanciu stood out with three goals each in qualifiers, while the defense conceded only five goals in ten matches.
A favorable draw for Romania, placing them in the second seeding group, has also worked in their favor. While Belgium is considered the favorite for first place in the group, Romania will have a relatively easier time competing with Slovakia and Ukraine for the second spot in Group E.
Though not among the strongest teams in the tournament, Romania has an opportunity to showcase their potential and surprise at Euro 2024.
Conclusion
Ukraine has shown exceptional perseverance and determination in qualifiers, while Slovakia boasts potential with quality players like Skriniar and Lobotka. Belgium returns stronger and ready to compete, led by De Bruyne and Lukaku. Romania, though not among the strongest teams, has a chance to showcase its potential on the European stage.
In short, Group E promises exciting matches.