Timothy Castagne helped Belgium to a second consecutive clean sheet on Wednesday, but their goalless draw with Ukraine was not enough to secure top spot in what proved to be a fascinating Group F.
Romania and Slovakia’s 1-1 draw in the other match meant that all four teams finished with a record of one win, one draw and one defeat. Belgium had an identical goal difference to Romania, but scored two goals fewer, meaning they had to settle for second place and a meeting with France in the Round-of-16.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Belgians who just could not find their cutting edge, while also being tested at the other end – Castagne was winded while making a brave block to deny Ruslan Malinovskyi.
Belgium will take on the French in Dusseldorf on Monday at 5pm, while Slovakia – for whom Marek Rodák was an unused substitute – meet England in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, also at 5pm.
Wednesday night saw arguably the shock of the tournament so far, as Georgia – competing in their first ever Euros – defeated Portugal 2-0.
Palhinha was in from the off again and was actually one of his side’s more attacking threats with a couple of decent efforts from range, as Portugal looked to recover from the early shock of going down to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s early goal on the counter.
Georgia had little of the ball but defended brilliantly, and doubled their lead through a penalty from Georges Mikautadze, who is now the competition’s top scorer with three.
Palhinha was replaced at half-time by Ruben Neves, but will be hoping for a third successive start when Portugal – who were confirmed as Group F winners before a ball was kicked on Wednesday – meet Slovenia in the Round-of-16 in Frankfurt on Monday (8pm).
