In a surprising turn of events at Euro 2024, Slovakia defeated Belgium 1-0, thanks to an early goal by Ivan Schranz and a solid defensive performance. Despite Romelu Lukaku's efforts, which included two disallowed goals due to VAR decisions, Slovakia managed to secure a crucial win in Group E, marking one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history.
The Euro 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Slovakia ended in a dramatic 1-0 victory for Slovakia, marking a significant upset in the tournament. Held at Frankfurt Arena, the match saw Slovakia take an early lead through Ivan Schranz and successfully defend it against a Belgian team that struggled to convert its chances. This victory places Slovakia in a strong position within Group E, alongside Romania, who also secured a win against Ukraine.
Slovakia's strategy focused on a strong defensive performance after taking an early lead in the 7th minute through Ivan Schranz, who capitalized on a defensive error by Belgium. The Slovak team, ranked significantly lower than Belgium, showcased a disciplined and structured defensive setup, managing to keep the Belgian attackers at bay throughout the match. Despite Belgium's possession and attempts at goal, Slovakia's defense, led by goalkeeper Dubravka, held firm, securing a historic win for the team.
The match was not without controversy, as Belgium's Romelu Lukaku had two goals disallowed by VAR. The first disallowance came from an offside decision, and the second was due to a handball in the buildup. These decisions were pivotal and kept Slovakia in the lead, intensifying the drama of the match. Belgium's frustration was evident as they struggled to find a legal breakthrough, raising questions about the consistency and impact of VAR in crucial tournament decisions.
Slovakia's victory throws Group E wide open, with Slovakia now sharing the top spot with Romania, who also won their opening match. Belgium, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages, a significant setback for a team considered among the favorites. The result highlights the unpredictable nature of football and sets the stage for a thrilling continuation of Euro 2024, where any team can potentially upset the odds.
The unexpected victory of Slovakia over Belgium in Euro 2024 underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of international football. As Slovakia celebrates this significant achievement, Belgium must regroup and plan for their upcoming matches with a focus on improving their attack and making the most of their opportunities. This match will likely be remembered as one of the key moments of Euro 2024, demonstrating that determination and strategic play can lead to surprising outcomes on the football field.
"It's the biggest upset in Euros history according to the FIFA rankings!" - Match Commentator