Slovakia caused an upset in their Euro 2024 opener after they commended Group E favourites Belgium to a 1-0 defeat at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.
FIFA’s world rankings show that Francesco Calzona’s team is 45 places behind Belgium, which is ranked third.
But they turned up a brave performance in Frankfurt, making a farce of the reported quality difference between the teams.
“We played against a great opponent. We gave it our heart. We didn’t win it by being better, but by being happier,” said Slovakia defender David Hancko.
“That makes the victory all the more gratifying. It’s amazing that we were able to do that.”
Calzona, the Slovakian coach who was also Napoli’s temporary manager during the second part of the previous campaign, has previously stated he would be “delighted” with a draw.
After breaking his nine-game goal drought for his country, Schranz left Belgium reeling. The Italian got more than he could have ever imagined.
Romelu Lukaku had two opportunities to equalise for Belgium, but VAR disallowed them both.
Only hours after Romania defeated Ukraine 3-0 in the other pool match on Monday, Slovakia’s stunning triumph completely opened up Group E.
Belgium suffered a heartbreaking defeat and now run the risk of not living up to their full potential in a major tournament.
Belgium’s golden age has diminished significantly following their disastrous group stage exit from the 2022 World Cup.
The Red Devils’ third-place showing at the 2018 World Cup is the pinnacle of a gifted but underachieving squad that was once heralded as a future dynasty. The team lost in the quarterfinals of the European Championship the previous two years.
Domenico Tedesco led Belgium to a 14-match winning streak going into the Euros after being named Roberto Martinez’s replacement in February 2023.
“I knew that eventually we would lose a game. Unfortunately it was today,” said Tedesco.
“The only thing that we didn’t do well was missing chances. We had plenty. It’s part of the game. Of course the players were disappointed,” added the Belgium boss.
Kevin De Bruyne had declared that Belgium was prepared to do “something good” in Germany prior to what was supposed to be a farewell tour for its seasoned stars.
However, they reverted to form with a sputtering showing, which puts them under tremendous pressure to win their second group game on Saturday against Romania.
In the second minute, Lukaku, making his 11th appearance in a major event for Belgium, ought to have scored his 86th goal for his nation.
After turning deftly at the halfway line, Jeremy Doku sprinted menacingly into the Slovakia penalty area, where De Bruyne prodded his cross towards Lukaku.
Although it appeared like Lukaku would score, his close-range shot went straight at Slovakian custodian Martin Dubravka.
A few moments later, Lukaku made another threat, but this time he let Doku’s ball get away from him.
Lukaku’s carelessness was penalised by Slovakia in the seventh minute.
Juraj Kucka was able to deftly backheel the ball to Robert Bozenik after Doku made a careless clearing pass.
Although Koen Casteels stopped Kucka’s shot, he was powerless to save Schranz’s sharply angled shot on the rebound.
Lukaku had a nightmarish experience. Once more, he wasted a superb opportunity from Yannick Carrasco’s sweeping pass with a painfully heavy touch.
The frustration in Belgium grew in the 56th minute as Dubravka’s near-post stop denied Lukaku.
Lukaku slipped in to score from a yard out after Amadou Onana looped a header over Dubravka from the ensuing corner, but his celebrations were cut short as VAR determined he was offside.
Belgium pinned Slovakia to the goal, but Dubravka made a great stop against Leandro Trossard, Lukaku volleyed into the side netting, and Hancko cleared Johan Bakayoko’s attempt off the line.
Lukaku scored in the 86th minute, a fitting conclusion to a day that will never be forgotten for Belgium, but Lois Openda’s handball in the build-up saw the goal disallowed.
Photo by EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT
