Euro 2024: Belgium stumble in opening match against Slovakia
Belgium got off to a bad start at Euro 2024 with a 1-0 defeat to Slovakia on Monday evening. It was manager Domenico Tedesco's first defeat in charge of Belgium after a 15-match unbeaten run.
After a ferocious opening five minutes from Belgium, Slovakia unexpectedly took an early lead following a poor defensive clearance by Jérémy Doku. Despite numerous attempts and Romelu Lukaku having two goals disallowed for offside and handball, the Red Devils were unable to find the equaliser.
The defeat leaves Belgium bottom of Group E, after Romania's earlier 3-0 victory over Ukraine. However, with two games still to come, six points are up for grabs, and even third place could be enough to qualify for the last 16.
Belgium's next match is against Romania on Saturday at 21.00. They conclude their group stage campaign against Ukraine on 26 June at 18.00.
It is not the first time Belgium have lost their opening game at the European Championships. They also lost the first match against Italy in 2016 but went on to win their next two games against Ireland and Sweden, before losing to Wales in the quarter-final.
Romelu Lukaku during Belgium's defeat to Slovakia in Dusseldorf © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
Related news
