The Slovakia Repre beat the Belgium Red Devils 1-0 in Frankfurt, causing the first big shock of Euro 2024. Slovakia, a nation making only its third appearance at the European Championship, secured a memorable victory with Ivan Schranz’s goal in the seventh minute of the match.
The Red Devils wasted several opportunities to level the score, with Romelu Lukaku being particularly unlucky as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) disallowed two of his goals. Francesco Calzona’s side managed to secure a victory against Belgium, handing them their first defeat in 15 games under Dominico Tedesco’s leadership. This unexpected outcome has completely shaken up Group E, especially after Romania’s impressive 3-0 win over Ukraine.
Wasteful Belgium Lose Euro 2024 Opener to Slovakia
Belgium got off to a good start, with Lukaku wasting two wonderful chances to put his team ahead early on. Unexpectedly, Slovakia took the lead when Jeremy Doku made a costly mistake, allowing Juraj Kucha to have a shot at goal.
The effort was first saved by Koen Casteels, but he could only parry it to Schranz. The Slavia Prague forward then seized the opportunity and found the net from a tight angle to give Slovakia a 1-0 lead over Belgium.
The Red Devils attempted to regain control, but a disciplined Slovakian defense limited the clear-cut opportunities. Leandro Trossard was denied first, and then Everton’s Amadou Onana headed straight at goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from a corner. In the closing moments of the first half, the Repre came agonizingly close to taking a 2-0 lead. Casteels made an impressive save, stretching to deny Lukas Haraslin’s superb first-time volley.
Later on, Lukaku missed yet another big chance to equalize. Thanks to a superb through ball from Yannick Carrasco, the striker found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Lukaku controlled the ball expertly, but instead of going for a shot, he decided to go around the goalkeeper. Unfortunately, his touch was too heavy, and the ball went out of play.
Belgium Had Their Chances
In the second half, Lakaku’s poor luck continued when he thought he had tied the game from close range, but VAR showed that he was standing offside as Onana headed the ball across. Belgium kept up the pressure as Trossard unleashed a powerful shot at Dubravka, but the Newcastle goalkeeper made yet another impressive save. With just over an hour remaining, some desperate defending denied substitute Johan Bakayoko from finding the back of the net.
Slovakia then had the next good chance of the game to increase their lead with David Strelev. However, his backheel was saved by Wout Faes, resulting in a corner kick.
In the last ten minutes of the game, Lukaku seemed to have equalized as he calmly placed the ball into the net. The Belgian forward’s effort was ruled out yet again but this time for a handball by Lois Openda in the build-up. This was much to the delight of Slovakian supporters.
Kevin De Bruyne had a chance in the dying minutes, but his effort was easily saved by Dubravka. Unfortunately for Belgium, it was not their day, and Slovakia held on for a win that will be remembered in the country’s history for years to come.
Who Could Qualify from Group E?
Losses for Belgium and Ukraine have opened up Group E-wide, as these two teams were the favorites to advance to the knockout stages. Tedesco’s men will face a tough challenge on Saturday evening when they take on Romania, a team riding high after their impressive victory over Ukraine.
Slovakia has a golden chance to reach the knockout stages for the first time in its history. It will be confident in its ability to achieve further success when it faces Ukraine on Friday.
About the Author
Oladimeji has spent his entire life devoted to playing and watching sports of all kinds. From Soccer to Tennis to NBA and NFL, Oladimeji follows it all. Aside from football, Oladimeji loves writing, engaging in intellectual discourse, and sharpening his critical thinking skills. By his writing, he aspires to engage others in conversation and spread knowledge. Oladimeji’s commitment to his writing, sports, and personal interests reflects his well-rounded approach to life and his continuous pursuit of growth and excellence.
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