Belgium lacked decisiveness in finishing and were twice disallowed by VAR as they lost 0-1 to Slovakia in their opening Euro Group E football game.
At the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt, it’s the Euro 2024 Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia.
Two minutes in and the Red Devils of Europe missed an early chance to take the lead. Jeremy Doku cut down the right before crossing the ball in. Kevin De Bruyne flicked it on to Romelu Lukaku, who swung a powerful shot that was saved by Martin Dubravka. UFABET
The Slovaks got their chance in the 7th minute. When Ivan Schranz bounced back and Juraj Kucka fired a powerful shot. That was saved by Ken Casteels, who parried it to Schranz who followed up with a clean slam. Despite being called offside, VAR confirmed the goal at 1-0.
Belgium tried to fight back in the 21st minute when Kevin De Bruyne put pressure on Martin Dubravka and he missed. But Leandro Trosart shot over the bar.
In the first half, at the 40th minute, Slovakia almost pulled away. When Juraj Kucka crossed from the left to Lukas Haraslin. Who fired a powerful shot that was saved by Ken Casteels.
In the second half, in the 56th minute, Belgium scored from a short corner kick on the right. Leandro Trossard lifted the ball to the far post. Amadou Onana headed it back in. Romelu Lukaku made a mistake by charging in.
But the cheers went to Slovakia as VAR later checked the incident and ruled it offside, keeping the score at 1-0.
The Red Devils of Europe continued to advance.
In the 59th minute, Romelu Lukaku flicked the ball to Leandro Trossar, who hit it hard with his right foot, but Martin Dubravka parried the ball away.
In the 62nd minute, Belgium attacked again. Jeremy Doku sprinted up the left before cutting inside. Martin Dubravka saved it but Joan Bakayoko’s shot was blocked by David Hanko on the line.
In the 86th minute, substitute Lois Openda dribbled up the left before pulling and crossing to Romelu Lukaku who scored. However, VAR intervened, with the referee checking the screen on the sidelines before disallowing the ball because of Openda’s handball.
Finally, Belgium accelerated to not lose to Slovakia 0-1. The next game is against Romania (June 22), while Slovakia will face Ukraine (June 21).