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Ukraine v Belgium LIVE: Latest score as Romelu Lukaku scuffs early chance

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(AFP via Getty Images)

Wednesday evening sees the conclusion of the closest group in Euro 2024 as Ukraine take on Belgium in Stuttgart and Slovakia face Romania.

Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium side recovered from a shock loss against Slovakia in their first match in time to beat Romania 2-0 last time out, and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and co. will be aware that they need another three points if they want to try and ensure first place in the group.

In their way stands a Ukraine team with similar fortunes – having been beaten in their opener by Romania, they recovered to beat Slovakia 2-1 in the next game. The two sides were the favourites to qualify from Group E, but a win for either of them may condemn them to third, or even fourth.

With all four teams in the group having won one game, Group E is perhaps the most intriguing group as we head into the final round of fixtures. Each team knows that a win guarantees them a place in the last 16, but one point is better than nothing, especially with the four best-performing third-placed teams qualifying too.

Can Belgium do it, or will they be condemned to the latest in a series of major tournament failures?

Follow the latest updates and reaction to Ukraine v Belgium below, as well as updates from the other Group E game as Slovakia face Romania:

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

27 mins: Over in Frankfurt Slovakia have taken the lead over Romania through Ondrej Duda’s opener. As things stand they’ve moved to the top of Group E with Ukraine up to third.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:28

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

24 mins: We’re into the period where both teams are taking their shots. Artem Dovbyk pulls a ranged effort wide of the far post before Belgium get up the pitch and Arthur Theate blazes a strike high and wide.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:25

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

21 mins: Close! Ukraine slickly move the ball through midfield with a couple of passes and find Roman Yaremchuk. Belgium drop off him so he decides to take a shot from range.

The strike is sweet and the effort is on target but Koen Casteels sees the ball early and manages to keep it out easily enough.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:22

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

18 mins: Timothy Castagne gives the ball away but Mykola Shaparenko can’t move it out of midfield quickly enough to kick Ukraine up the pitch.

Belgium recover the ball and win a free kick after Roman Yaremchuk barges into Wout Faes.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:19

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

15 mins: Quarter of an hour played in Stuttgart and Ukraine keep Belgium at bay with some solid defending against back-to-back corners.

It’s their time for a period of possession with Mykolenko heading down the left side to win a throw in inside Belgium’s half.

In the other Group E match of the evening Romania and Slovakia are currently 0-0 with the Romanians driving most of the play. A draw in that game would send both sides through to the last-16.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:17

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

12 mins: Youri Tielemans lifts a cross into the box from the left side and looks to pick out Leandro Trossard on the opposite side of the box. Jan Vertonghen leaps high and heads it clear before Ukraine look to break up the pitch.

They don’t get veyr far before losing possession but it was a good sign of their intent in this game. Defend well, strike on the counter.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:13

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

9 mins: De Bruyne receives the ball on the inside left channel, he spins towards goal then laces a fine pass into the box. Romelu Lukaku makes a run in between Vitaliy Mykolenko and Oleksandr Svatok and collects the ball inside the dangerzone.

He gets off a shot but it isn’t great and rolls softly into the hands of the goalkeeper. A decent attack from Belgium though who are starting to impose themselves on the game.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:09

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

6 mins: Kevin De Bruyne sends a throw back into play and finds Arthur Theate. He slips a pass to Jeremy Doku who looks to weave his way into the penalty area.

Oleksandr Tymchyk marks him well and doesn’t allow the winger space to run meaning Belgium have to retreat from the left side of the box.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:07

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Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

3 mins: Ukraine’s corner is sent short and comes into the box but doesn’t really trouble Belgium. The Red Devils look to build out from the back before Arthur Theate threads a pass up the pitch and looks to play Romelu Lukaku in behind the lines.

It’s a decent pass but slightly too heavy and goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoops it up.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:04

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Kick off! Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

Belgium get the ball rolling against Ukraine. Their opponents, dressed all in yellow, press well with Roman Yaremchuk winning the first corner of the game.

Mike Jones26 June 2024 17:02

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