Belgium manager Dominico Tedesco said reaching the last 16 of Euro 2024 was the most important thing after an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Ukraine sealed progression from Group E.
The pre-tournament group favourites had to settle for second spot after failing to break through against a stubborn Ukraine side, who were eliminated.
A tense group finale saw all four teams in the group finish on four points, meaning a late Ukraine goal would have dumped the Red Devils out.
And despite their star-studded side not playing at their free-flowing best, Tedesco was pleased to see them hold firm.
He said: “We knew today, we couldn’t fail. The message was clear, we wanted to play and try to win. The players tried everything.
“We can score earlier, we can score more, then many things are easier.
“I’m proud of my team because they did well at the end – if you concede one goal, you are out.
“This group was tougher than many thought. On paper, you can be favourites, but you have to play the games and these teams have absolutely nothing to lose.
“They play from in behind, they can lose the ball. They also have quality players, we don’t have any small teams.”
Belgium qualify after draw in Stuttgart ✅#EURO2024 | #UKRBEL pic.twitter.com/DUF40uFam3
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 26, 2024
The result of Belgium finishing as runners-up means a tough game against France awaits them on Monday.
But Tedesco insisted they will head to Dusseldorf with every intention of taking the game to the 2022 World Cup finalists.
The 38-year-old added: “We go to win. We are here and qualified for this EURO to be part of the best teams.
“Now, we face a top team, that’s why we qualified, otherwise we could stay at home.
“These are the games we’re looking for, and everything is possible.”
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‘This is life’
It was a cruel end to Euro 2024 for Ukraine, who crashed out despite finishing on the same amount of points
Manager Serhiy Rebrov said: “Unfortunately, we did not qualify because of the first game, which we lost to Romania. I’m grateful for how the players responded against Slovakia.
“I think we showed that we were trying to win this game, and there were enough good moments.
“To be in the tournament is very important for our country. In the last two games, we showed the character of our nation.
“But this is life, you make some mistakes, but then it’s important how you react. I’m very proud of the players.
“Of course, everyone is unhappy with the result, but there are no questions for the players.”
Romania, Belgium and Slovakia through to the round of 16 👏#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/8cOMy5Fhce
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 26, 2024
