Euro 2024: Belgium Narrowly Lost Opening Game To Slovakia

 

Belgium missed out of getting at least a point from the opening game of the Euro 2024 in dramatic 1-0 lost to Slovakia that witnessed two goals from Romelu Lukaku being canceled by the virtual assistant referee. 

Slovakia moved ahead in the early stages as Ivan Schranz volleyed home Robert Bozenik's rebound shot saved into his path after Jeremy Doku lost ball possession in the corner. 

The Red Devils come out stronger after halftime, Leandro Trossard's cross set up a neat scoring moment as Amadou Onana's header went goal-bound toward Lukaku, who slide-footed the ball into the back of the net. The goal was later ruled out for marginal offside position of Lukaku. 

As the game was minutes away from the stoppages, Lukaku once again scored, curling Lois Openda's cross into the back of the net. The goal was again ruled out for an handball offence from the latter. 

With the two goals canceled, Belgium's comeback was forfeited and was the side's first opening game loss in major European Championship since 2016. Slovakia are now second behind Romania, both sides with three points apiece in Group E.

Overview 

Seriously unlucky game for Belgium, the VAR was not having their goals as convincing enough. and had two sensational goals from Lukaku cancelled. That ruined the efforts of the Belgian side to come from behind and undo their deficit. 

Belgium did not have the best start to the game as they have would wanted compared to Slovakia that had put their defense to work and got an early goal from Schranz's rebound shot. Even though the Belgium were a different side in the second half, they were met with harsh rulings from VAR and staunch defence from their opponents. 

Great impact from Jeremy Doku in the early stages and even from Bakayoko who replaced him in the second half. Likewise, plausible contributions from Trossard and Kevin de Bruyne did a great job in the midfield, feeding the balls to the front.