Belgium supervisor Dominico Tedesco mentioned reaching the final 16 of Euro 2024 was an important factor after an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Ukraine sealed development from Group E.
The pre-tournament group favourites needed to accept second spot after failing to interrupt via in opposition to a cussed Ukraine facet, who had been eradicated.
A tense group finale noticed all 4 groups within the group end on 4 factors, which means a late Ukraine objective would have dumped the Crimson Devils out.
And regardless of their star-studded facet not taking part in at their free-flowing finest, Tedesco was happy to see them maintain agency.
He mentioned: “We knew at this time, we couldn’t fail. The message was clear, we wished to play and attempt to win. The gamers tried all the pieces.
“We will rating earlier, we are able to rating extra, then many issues are simpler.
“I’m pleased with my workforce as a result of they did effectively on the finish – in the event you concede one objective, you’re out.
“This group was harder than many thought. On paper, you might be favourites, however it’s important to play the video games and these groups have completely nothing to lose.
“They play from in behind, they will lose the ball. Additionally they have high quality gamers, we don’t have any small groups.”
Belgium qualify after attract Stuttgart ✅#EURO2024 | #UKRBEL pic.twitter.com/DUF40uFam3
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 26, 2024
The results of Belgium ending as runners-up means a tricky recreation in opposition to France awaits them on Monday.
However Tedesco insisted they are going to head to Dusseldorf with each intention of taking the sport to the 2022 World Cup finalists.
The 38-year-old added: “We go to win. We’re right here and certified for this EURO to be a part of one of the best groups.
“Now, we face a high workforce, that’s why we certified, in any other case we might keep at house.
“These are the video games we’re on the lookout for, and all the pieces is feasible.”
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‘That is life’
It was a merciless finish to Euro 2024 for Ukraine, who crashed out regardless of ending on the identical quantity of factors
Supervisor Serhiy Rebrov mentioned: “Sadly, we didn’t qualify due to the primary recreation, which we misplaced to Romania. I’m grateful for the way the gamers responded in opposition to Slovakia.
“I feel we confirmed that we had been making an attempt to win this recreation, and there have been sufficient good moments.
“To be within the match is essential for our nation. Within the final two video games, we confirmed the character of our nation.
“However that is life, you make some errors, however then it’s necessary the way you react. I’m very pleased with the gamers.
“In fact, everyone seems to be sad with the consequence, however there aren’t any questions for the gamers.”
Romania, Belgium and Slovakia via to the spherical of 16 👏#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/8cOMy5Fhce
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 26, 2024
