Slovakia Stuns Belgium in Euro 2024 Opener with VAR Drama

Slovakia caused a major upset in their Euro 2024 opener by stunning Group E favorites Belgium in a chaotic clash in Frankfurt. Late drama unfolded as Romelu Lukaku thought he had scored an equalizer only for VAR to disallow the goal for handball in the buildup. This marked the second time VAR overturned a goal for Lukaku, earlier nullifying a header he had scored. Slovakia took the lead through Ivan Schranz, capitalizing on a defensive error by Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.

Despite numerous chances, including several for Lukaku, Belgium left the field empty-handed. In a tumultuous 90 minutes, Slovakia’s David Hancko made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny substitute Johan Bakayoko while Lukaku’s frustrations grew as missed opportunities mounted. Belgium trailed at halftime due to Doku’s costly mistake, despite threats from Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard. Lukas Haraslin posed danger for Slovakia, forcing saves from Koen Casteels and narrowly missing the target in the second half.

Belgium, eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, now face Romania next in Cologne, needing to recover ground. Meanwhile, Slovakia, buoyed by their strong start to Euro 2024 will take on Ukraine next. Termed as the ‘new Belgium’ by many, Slovakia is in transition with key players from their ‘golden generation’ retiring. Belgium entered a new era without stars like Hazard and Alderweireld, and Courtois missed his first major tournament since 2002.

Despite high expectations matching their global ranking, Belgium did not anticipate a defeat to Slovakia in Frankfurt. Lukaku’s missed chances echoed Belgium’s World Cup disappointment, revealing his frustration despite active movement in the box. Belgium, boasting plenty of attacking talent, struggled as Trossard remained peripheral and Doku’s error led to Schranz’s decisive goal. As Slovakia celebrated passionately at full-time, their supporters cheered with scarves and chants while Belgium’s fans expressed frustration.

In the aftermath, Slovakia’s players and staff celebrated in front of their supporters, epitomizing their joyous victory over Belgium.