Ukraine Eyes Victory To Keep Euro 2024 Dream Alive Against Belgium

Serhiy Sydorchuk is optimistic about Ukraine's chances at Euro 2024 as they prepare for their final group match against Belgium. The Blue and Yellow will conclude their Group E campaign in Stuttgart on Tuesday. A win would secure their spot in the last-16 of the tournament.

Ukraine aims to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the third time, having previously done so at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2020. Their last four final group stage games have all ended 1-0, with their only win coming against Tunisia in 2006. They lost to England at Euro 2012, Poland at Euro 2016, and Austria at Euro 2020.

Slovakia faces Romania in another crucial game, with all three teams level on points heading into Matchday 3. This makes winning even more critical for Ukraine. Sydorchuk emphasised that a victory in their first meeting with Belgium would see them through to the last-16 as one of the top two teams.

Sydorchuk stated, "When you say something very loudly, the echo will be very loud as well, so I think we should be silent and we should do what we can do, and we'll see tomorrow at 8 PM what we could do."

When you say something very loudly, the echo will be very loud as well, so I think we should be silent and we should do what we can do, and we'll see tomorrow at 8 PM what we could do.

- Serhiy Sydorchuk

— Ukrainian Association of Football (@uafukraine) June 24, 2024

Sydorchuk understands how significant a victory would be for Ukrainians amidst ongoing conflict. He expressed hope that advancing in the tournament would bring some relief from the hardships caused by Russia's invasion.

"What will it mean for the country is that we will go on with this fairytale, this really fantastic fairytale for several more days for the whole country because we are at war for almost 900 days," said Sydorchuk. "For the Ukrainians, every game, every event like that means a lot; it means for them that they can come back to the usual pre-war times."

The stakes are high as Ukraine looks to continue their journey in Euro 2024. The team knows that securing a win against Belgium is crucial not just for advancing but also for lifting the spirits of their nation during these challenging times.