Slovakia caused the first upset at Euro 2024 with a surprising 1-0 victory over Belgium on Monday, thanks to Ivan Schranz’s decisive goal.
Ranked 45 spots below the third-placed Belgian team in FIFA’s standings, Slovakia, under Francesco Calzona, delivered an audacious performance in Frankfurt, defying expectations.
Calzona, who had previously managed Napoli on an interim basis last season, had confessed he would be “delighted” with just a draw.
However, he received more than he could have hoped for when Schranz, ending a nine-game international goal drought, left Belgium in shock.
Romelu Lukaku squandered several opportunities for Belgium and saw a late equaliser controversially overturned by VAR.
This unexpected victory for Slovakia significantly altered the dynamics of Group E, especially after Romania’s 3-0 win over Ukraine earlier in the day.
The loss was a harsh blow for Belgium, who are once again at risk of not meeting their potential at a major tournament. Once hailed as a potential dynasty, Belgium’s golden generation has struggled since their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.
Their highest achievement remains a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, with quarter-final exits in the last two European Championships.
Dominic Tedesco, who replaced Roberto Martinez in February 2023, led Belgium on a 14-match unbeaten run leading into the Euros. Kevin De Bruyne had voiced optimism about their chances in Germany, yet Belgium’s underwhelming display now places them under immense pressure to defeat Romania in their next match on Saturday.
Lukaku, playing in a Belgian record 11th game at major tournaments, missed an early chance to score his 86th goal for Belgium. Jeremy Doku, after a swift move into the Slovak penalty area, set up Lukaku, whose close-range shot was saved by Slovakia’s Martin Dubravka.
Lukaku’s missed opportunities continued, and Slovakia capitalized, taking the lead in the seventh minute. Doku’s misplaced pass led to Robert Bozenick backheeling the ball to Juraj Kucka. While Koen Casteels saved Kucka’s shot, Schranz netted the rebound from a sharp angle.
Lukaku’s woes persisted throughout the match, with another heavy touch wasting a chance from Yannick Carrasco’s pass, and Dubravka denying him again in the 56th minute. Moments later, VAR ruled Lukaku offside, nullifying what would have been a Belgian equaliser.
Belgium’s relentless attack saw Dubravka save from Trossard, Lukaku hit the side-netting, and Johan Bakayoko’s shot cleared off the line. Lukaku’s day ended in frustration as his late goal was disallowed due to a handball by Lois Openda.
