UEFA Euro 2024 – Group E
Belgium……0
Slovakia…….1
Slovakia secured a victory over Belgium in their first match of the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament thanks to an early goal from Ivan Schranz. The game in Frankfurt was filled with missed opportunities, but it was Schranz’s seventh-minute strike that proved to be the decisive moment.
Belgium started the game strongly, showcasing the skills of Jérémy Doku. His impressive solo run led to Romelu Lukaku having the first chance of the game, but Slovakia’s goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka denied him.
Just minutes later, Schranz found himself in the perfect position on the opposite side of the pitch. He capitalized on a rebound after Koen Casteels initially saved Juraj Kucka’s shot, giving Slovakia the lead.
Belgium struggled to respond as Stanislav Lobotka controlled the tempo of the game for Slovakia. The high pressure from the Slovakian team proved effective for large portions of the match. Lukáš Haraslín came close to doubling their lead with a powerful volley before halftime, but Casteels made a remarkable save, diving to his left.
The Red Devils quickly intensified their offensive. Lukaku was thwarted by Dúbravka initially, and later, he made another crucial save from a shot by Leandro Trossard. Eventually, when Dúbravka was finally beaten, Dávid Hancko came to the rescue with an exceptional clearance on the goal line, securing the three points and a remarkable victory for Slovakia.
Line-ups
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Carrasco (Lukébakio 84); Onana, Mangala (Bakayoko 58); Trossard (Tielemans 75), De Bruyne, Doku (Openda 84); Lukaku
Slovakia: Dúbravka; Pekarík, Vavro, Škriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda (Obert 94); Schranz (Duriš 80), Boženík (Strelec 70), Haraslín (Suslov 70)
