Gary Lineker has questioned the Euro 2024 format after Ukraine were knocked out of the tournament - despite finishing on the same points as ALL the other teams in their group.
Ukraine drew 0-0 with Belgium in the final round of Group E fixtures to take their overall points tally to four from three games. But it was Romania who won Group E on goals scored after notching four goals to Belgium's two. Slovakia finished in third and advance to face England as one of the best third-placed teams, but all four teams f inished with four points apiece.
And while Ukraine are now out, other teams, such as Denmark and Slovenia, have qualified for the Round of 16 with just three points.
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Speaking after the BBC's coverage of the match had concluded, Lineker sympathised with Ukraine before taking aim at the current format of the tournament, which allows a number of 'best placed' teams who finish third a spot in the knockout stages.
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The Match of the Day host 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.
"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."
Ukraine manager Serhiy Rebrov praised his players in the wake of their heartbreaking exit. The former Tottenham striker said: "We showed the character of our people. We need the support of Europe and we are part of Europe. It is very important for us to be represented here.
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Ukraine finished level on points with the three other teams in Group E but were the only ones to exit the tournament (Joe Prior/Visionhaus)"Unfortunately we didn't do well. This is like in life, you make some mistakes and then it's very important how you react. I think we reacted well.
"We are very proud of the players. Everyone in Ukraine is unhappy with the score but there are no question marks for the players. It's very important to show that we are still alive, we are still fighting and we will not stop."
As well as Slovakia facing England in the Round of 16, Romania will play the Netherlands for a place in the quarter-finals and Belgium will meet France.
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