Belgium vs Slovakia: The Red Devils fell 0-1
– The Belgian national team started Euro 2024 with disappointing results. Marked by two disallowed goals, the Red Devils were defeated by Slovakia 0-1.
In the match which was held at the Frankfurt Arena, Ivan Schranz scored the only goal in the seventh minute.
Belgium, which appeared dominant, had the bad luck because two goals from Romelu Lukaku were canceled by VAR. Slovakia is currently in second place in Group E with three points followed by Belgium in third place with zero points.
Belgium had a chance in the third minute when Romelu Lukaku met Kevin De Bruyne’s through ball with speed. Just dealing with Martin Dubravka, Lukaku’s shot could be blocked.
Two minutes later Lukaku wasted another golden opportunity in front of goal. This time his shot was also thwarted by Dubravka.
Slovakia actually scored a goal with its first attack in the seventh minute. Starting from Juraj Kucka’s kick which was pushed over by Koen Casteels, the rebound was struck by Ivan Schranz and lodged in the goal.
The goal was reviewed by VAR because there were suspicions that Kucka was caught offside. The VAR referee confirmed that Belgian defender Zeno Debast made Kucka onside.
After that, Belgium immediately attacked the Slovak defense guarded by Milan Skriniar, but poor finishing made it difficult to convert the opportunity into a goal.
In the 21st minute, Leandro Trossard had a chance to reply even though the shot from outside the penalty box was still flying.
Slovakia almost scored a second goal in the 31st minute if Casteels had not parried Lukas Haraslin’s shot. Five minutes later Amadou Onana headed De Bruyne’s corner ball straight into Dubravka’s catch.
Haraslin had another chance in the 40th minute to score a goal. Kucka’s cross was met by Haraslin’s volley which Casteels was able to parry with one hand.
No more goals were scored until the end of the first half
Entering the second half, Belgium increased the intensity of their attacks to score a goal immediately. They equalized the score 1-1 in the 55th minute through Lukaku.
Lukaku found De Bruyne’s corner from close range. However, VAR annulled the goal because Lukaku was caught offside.
Johan Bakayoko, who had just entered as a substitute, had a chance in the 62nd minute. He got the ball in front of the goal and immediately shot it, even though it was blocked by David Hancko right on the line.
Belgium locked in Slovakia with the remaining 20 minutes of the match, but they again struggled to create golden opportunities.
Belgium brought in Lois Openda and Dodi Lukebakio to sharpen the attack line. Openda’s entry revived hope when he made an individual action in the 86th minute from the left side.
Openda beat his opponent and sent a pass which was met by Lukaku’s left foot, which broke through Dubravka’s net. Belgium’s celebration after equalizing the score only lasted briefly because VAR annulled the goal.
The goal was disallowed because Openda was deemed to have handball when he received his teammate’s pass before creating an assist
Until the match ended, Slovakia still won 1-0.