Slovakia earn historic win over wasteful Belgium at Euro 2024

The early goal from Ivan Schranz was enough to hand Slovakia a massive win over Belgium in their Euro 2024 opener. A wayward pass from Jeremy Doku was intercepted in Belgium’s box by the Slovakian attackers, but Robert Bozenik fired his shot right at Koen Casteels.

However, the Belgian goalkeeper’s parried effort fell favourably to Schranz, who scored from a tight angle to register Slovakia’s fastest goal at a major tournament.

Belgium’s wastefulness and VAR to blame for Slovakia upset

Oh, Belgium. pic.twitter.com/ZWlx0ueP1S

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 17, 2024

Romelu Lukaku had several great opportunities to put his country ahead, starting with a chance from point-blank range in the third minute. However, the striker launched his effort right at Dubravka, who will be thanking his lucky stars that he was in the right place.

The Newcastle United goalie was called into making a number of saves throughout the game, with Belgium knocking on the door time and time again. Leandro Trossard, too, squandered his opportunity from outside the box with Dubravka way off his line. And so did Johan Bakayoko, whose effort from well within the box was cleared off the line.

🇧🇪 Belgium 0-1 Slovakia 🇸🇰

One of those days for Belgium, but a famous victory for Slovakia at Euro 2024.

Belgium missed four Opta-defined 'big chances' in this match, the first time they have done so at the Euros since 1980 vs Spain (also four).#BELSVK #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/xWK1EdxUva

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 17, 2024

The Red Devils thought they had scored twice in the game, but both of Lukaku’s goals were disallowed by VAR. The first was rightly ruled out for offside, but the second one was a tight decision, as Lois Openda handled the ball ever so slightly in the build-up to the goal.