Belgium's manager, Dominico Tedesco, said reaching the Last 16 of Euro 2024 is the most important thing after a 0-0 draw with Ukraine left Group E.
The team's pre-tournament favorites had to settle for second place after failing to break through against a stubborn, relegated Ukrainian side.
A tight group game saw all teams finish with four points, meaning a late goal from Ukraine would have eliminated the Red Devils.
And despite their star-studded squad not playing at their best free-flowing level, Tedesco was pleased to see them stay strong.
He said: “We knew today, we would not fail. The message was clear, we wanted to play and try to win. The players tried everything.
“We can score early, we can score more, and many things become easier.
“I'm proud of my team because they did well in the end – if you concede one goal, you're out.
“This team was stronger than many thought. On paper, you can be favorites, but you have to play games and these teams have nothing to lose.
“They play in the back, they don't lose the ball. They also have quality players, we don't have small teams.”
Belgium will enter after a draw in Stuttgart ✅#EURO2024 | #UKRBEL pic.twitter.com/DUF40uFam3
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 26, 2024
The result of Belgium's second place finish means a tough match against France awaits on Monday.
But Tedesco is adamant that they will head to Dusseldorf with every intention of taking the game to the 2022 World Cup finals.
The 38-year-old added: “We will win. We are here and qualified for this EURO to be part of the best teams.
“Now, we are facing a top team, that's why we won, otherwise we can stay at home.
“These are the games we're looking at, and anything is possible.”
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'This is life'
It was a brutal end to Euro 2024 in Ukraine, which was broken despite finishing with the same points.
Manager Serhiy Rebrov said: “Unfortunately we did not win because of the first game we lost to Romania. I appreciate the way the players responded against Slovakia.
“I think we showed that we were trying to win this game, and there were enough good moments.
“Being in the competition is very important for our country. In the last two games, we have shown the character of our nation.
“But this is life, you make mistakes, but it's important how you react. I am very proud of the players.
“Yes, everyone is not happy with the result, but there are no questions for the players.”
Romania, Belgium and Slovakia advanced to the round of 16 👏#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/8cOMy5Fhce
– UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 26, 2024
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