Belgium suffered a disappointing start to their Euro 2024 campaign on Monday after losing 1-0 to Slovakia in their Group E opening game
Ivan Schranz was Slovakia’s hero, as his 7th minute strike earned his team the shocking win.
Schranz capitalised on a Jeremy Doku’s mistake and collecting the deflection from Juraj Kucka’s strike, before slotting the ball into the far corner. The goal had to go through extensive VAR review before it was confirmed.
Romelu Lukaku was not quite so lucky as he had the ball in the back of the net in the second half and twice VAR disallowed it .
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The striker’s attempt to atone for a wasteful first half, was ruled a toe offside when slamming home Amadou Onana’s cross in the 56th minute, before rounding off a smart move to plant Lois Openda’s cross beyond Martin Dubravka in the final minute of the 90.
At first glance there seemed to be very little wrong with the latter, but VAR was quick to spot the ball glancing off Openda’s outstretched hand in the build-up, and recommended referee Halil Umut Meler to take a second look.
He did, and duly accepted the advice of the video official, denying a frustrated Lukaku once more.
Domenico Tedesco’s side, flat and underwhelming for the most part, still created four ‘big chances’ (their most in a Euros game since 1980 vs Spain), but were unable to go past a stubborn Slovakia, who now top Group E alongside Romania.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
