Frankfurt: Slovakia secured a thrilling 1-0 victory against tournament favorite Belgium in the ongoing Euro 2024, despite Romelu Lukaku's relentless efforts which saw two goals disallowed during the match.
The clash unfolded dramatically as Slovakia, led by Francesco Calzona, defied the odds and capitalised on a defensive lapse early in the game. Ivan Schranz capitalised on the opportunity, securing an early lead for his team and setting the stage for an intense showdown against the third-ranked team in the world.
Despite being 45 spots below Belgium in FIFA's world rankings, Slovakia showcased immense determination throughout the match, leaving Belgium struggling to find an equaliser. Calzona, who previously served as Napoli's interim boss, had modest expectations heading into the game but was undoubtedly thrilled with the outcome.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's prolific striker, faced numerous opportunities but was unable to break through Slovakia's defense, with a late equalizer controversially disallowed by VAR.
Slovakia's unexpected triumph has injected a new level of excitement into Group E, as earlier in the day, Romania secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Ukraine in another match within the same pool.
For Belgium, the defeat marks a significant setback, raising concerns about their ability to fulfill their potential in major tournaments. The golden generation of Belgian football has faced scrutiny since their premature exit from the 2022 World Cup group stage, and this defeat adds further pressure on the team to deliver.
As the Euro 2024 tournament progresses, Slovakia's remarkable victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this captivating competition.
