The Belgian team begins its journey in the Euro 2024 against one of the biggest surprises that the qualifying phase left us: the Slovakia team.
Slovakia was better in the first half and went into half-time with a 0-1 lead by making better use of its chances, particularly the one it had after an error in Belgium’s release of the ball. Doku tried to dribble and ended up making a very risky pass. Ivan Schranz got the ball, gave it to Kucka and his shot rejected by the goalkeeper fell to Schranz himself, who sent it into the back of the net.
In the other area, Lukaku has missed a couple of chances.
The preview: Slovakia, a very dangerous Cinderella
The selection led by Francesco Calzonawho during the 2023/24 season has also directed the Naplessurprised in the qualifying process, remaining secondand losing only two games, both against Portugal, which qualified as first without leaving any points along the way.
It will be the third consecutive European Championship to which Slovakia is classified throughout its history. A commendable milestone, which he will want to complete with a great performance, like in 2016, when he reached eighths of final. He will have to continue the good form that he has shown in the previous friendlies (victories against San Marino and Galés, both 4-0) if he does not want to be bottom of the group, as everything indicates.
Among their most notable players, and starters this Monday against Belgium, are Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka, Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar –team captain– and the pivot of Naples Stanislav Lobotka; while up front there is no player who makes the difference.
Belgium: judge, jury and executioner
In group E, where Belgium starts as top favoritebut the other three teams are a priori very even, all the matches will have their particular importance, both to define the second of the quartet, and to decide if the team that is in third place can qualify for the round of 16.
Belgium therefore reaches Euro 2024 as judge of the other three selections in his group. Without Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibout Courtois, any point lost against Slovakia, Romania or Ukraine could be crucial for the future of the competition.
This summer in Germany, it will be Belgium’s last chance to win a trophy, in the sunset coming of his golden generation led by midfielder Kevin DeBruyneand which has Romelu as a reference in the attack Lukakutop scorer of the qualifying phase with 14 goals.
In the absence of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibout Courtois, who was not called up by the coach Domenico Tedescothe goalkeeper chosen for the debut is Koen Casteels, from Wolfsburg.
Euro 2024 live on RTVE
Like all the matches of Euro 2024, which takes place until July 14, this match can be seen live on RTVE Play and, in this case, on La 2 and Teledeporte. In addition, it can also be seen in the player on this page.
