Breaking News:”Belgium Beaten by Slovakia, Var Denied Lukaku and schranz’s Goal…Read more
“Slovakia Resilient Against Belgium: Schranz’s Goal and VAR Deny Lukaku”
Belgium suffered their first defeat in 16 matches under coach Domenico Tedesco, reminiscent of their disappointing 2022 World Cup run, despite having two goals disallowed by VAR. Ivan Schranz scored Slovakia’s fastest goal in a major tournament, securing a surprise 1-0 win over a wasteful Belgium in the European Championship Group E.
The match began with uncertainty as Doku’s poor pass led to Schranz scoring from a tight angle just six minutes in. Belgium had opportunities, notably when Lukaku was denied by Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after a brilliant solo run by Doku.
Lukaku had two goals disallowed, one for offside and another for handball, adding to his frustration on a day when he also missed several clear chances. Slovakia’s win moved them alongside Romania at the top of the standings, following Romania’s 3-0 victory over Ukraine. Belgium is set to face Romania next in Cologne on Saturday.
Despite hopes of a new era for Belgium with young talent replacing the “Golden Generation,” old issues persisted. Tedesco’s team dominated possession but lacked a clinical edge, and the absence of key defenders Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate, along with positional imbalances, contributed to their downfall.
That was the first of three major opportunities for Lukaku in the half, who had previously scored 17 goals in 11 matches under Tedesco.
Slovakia had their chances as well and displayed excellent defensive discipline, with every tackle being celebrated as if it were a goal. Belgium nearly scored again when a goalmouth scramble ended with substitute Johan Bakayoko’s shot, which was cleared off the line by Slovakia defender David Hancko.
Belgium was denied once more when Lois Openda, after a determined run on the left, handled the ball while setting up Lukaku.
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