Slovakia Stun Belgium in Euro 2024 Opener with Dramatic Victory
Slovakia caused a major upset in their Euro 2024 opener by defeating Group E favourites Belgium in a chaotic encounter in Frankfurt. The drama reached its peak in the final minutes when Romelu Lukaku thought he had equalised, only for the video assistant referee (VAR) to rule it out for handball in the build-up. This was the second time Lukaku had a goal ruled out by VAR, following an earlier disallowed effort from a header across goal by Amadou Onana.
The match’s decisive moment came when Ivan Schranz capitalised on a mistake by Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku to put Slovakia ahead, stunning Belgium, who are ranked third in the world. Slovakia, ranked 48th, are 45 places below Belgium.
Despite missing numerous chances throughout the match, many of which fell to their all-time top scorer Lukaku, Belgium ultimately left empty-handed. In a topsy-turvy 90 minutes, substitute Johan Bakayoko was denied by a superb goalline clearance from Slovakia’s David Hancko.
Lukaku’s frustrations grew as chances continued to slip by, the best opportunity coming within three minutes after Doku went on a spectacular run down the right. Belgium’s inability to seize control meant they trailed at the break, with Doku’s costly mistake helping Slovakia gain the upper hand.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne remained a constant threat, while Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard curled an effort over the bar following a poor clearance from goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Lukas Haraslin also posed a threat for Slovakia, with a superbly executed volley that needed saving by Koen Casteels and another strike placed wide in the second half.
Belgium, who exited the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, must now respond when they take on Romania next—a side who recorded a stunning 3-0 win over Ukraine in the other match on Monday afternoon. As Belgium travel to Cologne on Saturday looking to regain ground, Slovakia will face Ukraine, buoyed by their perfect start to Euro 2024.
**Slovakia Celebrate as Belgium Pay the Price**
Dubbed by many as the ‘new Belgium’, this is undoubtedly a nation in transition, with several members of their ‘golden generation’ phasing out of the squad. The likes of Eden Hazard and Toby Alderweireld are no longer present for Belgium, and this was their first major tournament match without Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois since 2002.
Expectations were not as high as their world ranking might suggest, but Belgian fans did not anticipate leaving Frankfurt defeated by Slovakia. Lukaku’s missed chances evoked sour reminders of their premature World Cup group-stage exit, where he failed to score in a goalless draw with Croatia. Despite being a nuisance with his movement in the box, his lack of clinical edge proved costly for Belgium, who had plenty of attacking talent on the pitch.
Trossard was too often on the periphery, while Doku shone offensively but made the loose pass leading to Schranz’s well-taken goal. As Belgium’s supporters jeered in frustration throughout the second half, Slovakia celebrated passionately at full-time.
Supporters in the stands waved scarves, chanted, and bounced in unison. When the whistle finally ended an agonising stoppage-time period, substitutes raced onto the pitch to celebrate with their teammates.
