Belgium opened their 2024 European Championship campaign with a shock 1-0 defeat to Slovakia on Monday evening.
EURO 2024
Result: Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
Date: 17 June 2024
Venue: Frankfurt Arena
The Belgians nearly got off the perfect start when Kevin de Bruyne deflected the ball into Romelu Lukaku's path, but the striker was denied by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Slovakia made Belgium rue that miss as they broke the deadlock on seven minutes when Ivan Schranz calmly slotted through the legs goalkeeper Koen Casteels after Jeremy Doku carelessly gave the ball away.
The Red Devils were presented with a big chance to pull level when De Bruyne's pressing forced Dubravka to clear the ball straight to Leandro Trossard, who took one touch but sent his strike over the crossbar.
The first half continued in a lively fashion and Slovakia were unlucky not to have added a second goal just before the interval when Casteels produced a superb reflex save to keep out Lukas Haraslin's first-time volley.
Belgium had the ball in the back of the net ten minutes into the second period when Lukaku slotted home from close range, but the celebrations cancelled after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled the goal out for handball.
It was one-way traffic in the second period and Belgium were nearly rewarded with the equaliser in the 63rd minute through substitute Johan Bakayoko, who saw his goal-bound strike cleared off the line by David Hancko.
Belgium thought they got the reward with four minutes to play when Ikoma-Loïs Openda broke down the left flank and pulled the back for Lukaku for the powerful finish, but VAR came to Slovakia's rescue after spotting a handball in the build up.
That proved to be Belgium's final hope as the Slovakians remained resolute in the closing stages and picked up the victory in their opening game.
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