This is the most open group in the Euro. After Belgium’s victory (2-0) against Romania this Saturday, the verdict in this group E is more uncertain than ever before the third and final day. All teams have three points, a first at this stage of the competition in the history of the Euro.
The success of the Belgians temporarily places them first in the group thanks to a goal difference (+1), identical to Romania, second. Domenico Tedesco’s men, however, are ahead of their opponents in the evening due to a victorious direct confrontation. A success against Ukraine would place Belgium on six points, a total which would ensure at least second place. Slovakia would also have six points if they beat Romania. First place would then return to him, even in the event of a lower goal difference, due to his success (1-0) against the Belgians on the first day.
A multitude of possible cases
In the event of a draw, the Belgians could keep their first place if Romania and Slovakia are not separated. The ranking would then remain unchanged, and the four teams would have four points! If Romelu Lukaku and his team lost, they would be at least third. Their place (with only three points) in the eighth would depend on the results of the other third groups. A defeat could also mean fourth place.
For its part, Ukraine would have six points in the event of victory. A total synonymous with first place if Slovakia beat Romania, because the Ukrainians dominated the Slovaks (2-1). In the event that Romania pockets six points, Ukraine would be second. In the event of a draw, the Ukrainians would only be eliminated in the event of a draw for Romania and Slovakia. The four nations would then have four points, and the negative goal difference of the Ukrainians would confine them to fourth place. Same thing in case of defeat. For third place, a total of four points would normally qualify.
Romanians and Slovaks without guarantees either
If the Romanians win against Slovakia, they could be first or second, depending on Belgium’s result. A draw would at least be synonymous with a third place. With four points, qualification would be more than likely, knowing that you need to be among the four best third-place finishers. A defeat would place them third or fourth with three units. A total potentially insufficient to qualify.
Finally, the Slovaks will be guaranteed to finish first if they succeed against Romania. A draw would also mean almost 100% qualification. A defeat would also potentially threaten qualification for the round of 16.
The ranking of group E after two days:
1. Belgium – 3 points
2. Romania – 3 points
3. Slovakia – 3 points
4. Ukraine – 3 points
