Your Route to Real News

Lineker fumes 'system is flawed' after Ukraine make unfortunate Euros history

26 June 2024 , 20:04
462     0
One group saw second AND third place both advance with fewer points than Ukraine
One group saw second AND third place both advance with fewer points than Ukraine

GARY LINEKER labelled the Euros system "flawed" after Ukraine made unwanted history after being eliminated from the tournament.

Sergei Rebrov's men followed up a 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening game with a 2-1 win over Slovakia.

Gary Lineker feels the Euros system is 'flawed' as Ukraine were eliminated eiqrriqziqerprw
Gary Lineker feels the Euros system is 'flawed' as Ukraine were eliminatedCredit: BBC
Ukraine had four points after their three games but still finished bottom of Group E
Ukraine had four points after their three games but still finished bottom of Group ECredit: Getty

Heading into the final round of fixtures all four Group E teams - Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine - were level on three points.

With Romania and Slovakia drawing, Ukraine knew only a win over Belgium would prevent them from finishing bottom and being knocked out on four points.

But they could only muster a goalless draw, despite going close on several occasions late in the game.

Putin accused of surrounding himself with same 'actors' at series of eventsPutin accused of surrounding himself with same 'actors' at series of events

It means they are out of the Euros, while teams in other groups have advanced with four points.

They are the first team to be knocked out of the Euros with four points since the tournament was expanded for the 2016 edition.

And an unhappy Lineker was quick to bring this quirk up as he criticised the format.

Speaking on the BBC, he said: "Well, Belgium have got themselves through but you feel for Ukraine.

"They did everything towards the end there, probably the better side overall but it's heartbreak for them.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

"The first team to not make it through with four points, I do think this system is flawed at the moment.

"They need to look at it, I suspect, at some point."

Second AND third place both went through with three points in Group C as Denmark and Slovenia progressed.

Russians wrote 'Happy New Year' on drone sent crashing into playgroundRussians wrote 'Happy New Year' on drone sent crashing into playground

Meanwhile, Ukraine's draw with Belgium forces The Red Devils into a blockbuster last-16 showdown with France.


EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY


Dylan Terry

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus