Slovakia pulled off a surprise victory in their Euro 2024 opener, defeating Group E favorites Belgium in a chaotic match in Frankfurt.
Drama unfolded in the final minutes when Romelu Lukaku believed he had equalized, only for the video assistant referee (VAR) to disallow the goal due to a handball in the build-up.
This was the second goal Lukaku had scored that was ruled out by VAR, following an earlier disallowed header from an Amadou Onana assist.
Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia the lead by capitalizing on a defensive error from Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku, stunning Belgium, the world’s third-ranked team, while Slovakia is ranked 48th.
Despite missing numerous chances, many of which fell to their all-time top scorer Lukaku, Belgium left the match empty-handed.
In a dramatic 90 minutes, substitute Johan Bakayoko was thwarted by a brilliant goalline clearance from Slovakia’s David Hancko.
Lukaku’s frustration grew as more opportunities slipped away, the best of which came just three minutes after Doku’s spectacular run down the right.
Belgium’s inability to take control saw them trailing at halftime, with Doku’s costly mistake giving Slovakia the upper hand.
Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne remained a threat, while Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard narrowly missed with a shot over the bar following a poor clearance from goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Lukas Haraslin also posed a threat for Slovakia, sending a superb volley towards goal that Koen Casteels had to save, and placing another strike wide in the second half.
After exiting the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, Belgium must regroup for their next match against Romania, who recorded a stunning 3-0 win over Ukraine in another match on Monday afternoon.
As Belgium travels to Cologne on Saturday looking to regain their footing, Slovakia will face Ukraine, buoyed by their perfect start to Euro 2024.
Slovakia celebrate as Belgium pay price
Dubbed by many as the “new Belgium,” this nation is undoubtedly in transition, with several members of their “golden generation” phasing out of the squad.
Players like Eden Hazard and Toby Alderweireld are no longer part of the team, and this was the first major tournament match without Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois since 2002.
Expectations are not as high as their world ranking might suggest, but Belgium fans did not anticipate leaving Frankfurt defeated by Slovakia.
Lukaku’s missed chances brought back bitter memories of their early World Cup exit, where he failed to score in a goalless draw with Croatia. In Germany, he will feel aggrieved by his missed opportunities.
Despite his effective movement in the box, Lukaku’s lack of clinical finishing proved costly for Belgium, who had ample attacking talent on the pitch.
Trossard was often on the periphery, while Doku excelled offensively but made the crucial error that led to Schranz’s well-taken goal.
As Belgium nursed their wounds in Frankfurt, with supporters jeering 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 final whistle ended an agonizing stoppage-time period, substitutes raced onto the pitch to celebrate with their teammates.
Afterwards, Slovakia’s players and staff lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, celebrating in front of their supporters.