Euro 2024: Slovakia upset wasteful Belgium in Group E

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Slovakia caused a major upset at the Euro 2024 Championship by beating Belgium in their Group E match on Monday.

Ivan Schranz scored an early goal and the ultimate winner when he pounced on a mistake in the seventh minute.

In dramatic circumstances, former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku thought he found a late leveller but it was ruled out for offside. The video assistant referee (VAR) ruled it out for handball in the build-up.

That was Lukaku’s second goal that was ruled out by the VAR after he had earlier headed in the ball.

ALSO READ:

• Players of Nigerian descent who will feature at Euro 2024
• Rangers’ NPFL victory: A tale of true redemption
• Tobi Amusan wins fourth consecutive national women’s 100m hurdles title
• Record breaker Lamine Yamal meets the Euros
• Riccardo Calafiori: Italy’s aura defender on everyone’s list

Belgium were punished bitterly for their failure to convert their many missed opportunities. The best of their chances even came as early as the third minute.

In a chaotic game, substitute Johan Bakayoko saw his effort cleared off the line by David Hancko.

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku’s mistake had cost Belgium that goal and by the break, they were behind.

Despite pre-match doubts over his fitness, Kevin de Bruyne caused Slovakia all kinds of trouble. On the other end, Slovakia’s Lukas Haraslin had chances to extend the lead but just couldn’t.

His volley was well saved by Koen Casteels before another effort went wide in the second half. Slovakia also continued to frustrate the efforts of the Belgians.

‘Red Devils’ need an instant response

Belgium will face Romania in their second group game. The Romanians stunned Ukraine 3-0 in the other group encounter.

Lukaku’s misses today will definitely cast minds back to the last World Cup where Belgium exited in the group stage. The lanky striker failed to score against Croatia in a goalless draw.

38-year-old manager Domenico Tedesco will need to come up with a strategy that will see Belgium give a strong response to today’s loss.

Slovakia will head into their second group game against Ukraine full of so much confidence. Staff and players of Slovakia celebrated the huge victory in front of their fans who were in a frenzy.