BELGIUM kick off their Euro 2024 game with a tough but winnable game against Slovakia.
The Red Devils launch their bid for glory in Frankfurt against a Slovakia side managed by former Napoli caretaker boss Francesco Calzona.
It’s a case of a ‘last dance’ for many of the stars of Belgium’s golden generation with the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku seeing this as their final chance to win something for the Red Devils.
Gone are stars such as Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Toby Alderweireld but there is a feeling of renewal for the Belgians.
Previous boss Roberto Martinez, who guided Belgium to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a quarter-final at Euro 2020 and a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, has gone, and so has his three at the back system.
Former RB Leipzig coach, Domenico Tedesco, who plays a high-pressing brand of football, has come in and introduced a 4-3-3 system.
The side have not been beaten under his stewardship.
Not only has the system changed but the Italian has introduced fresh blood to the ailing golden generation.
Johann Bakayoko, 21, Dodi Lukebakio, 26, and Orel Mangala, also 26, have all become important members of the side.
Jeremy Doku, who was introduced to the squad by Martinez, is also flourishing into a great player at Manchester City and will be a key man for the Belgians.
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Tedesco has been in charge since March 2023 with the side collecting 20 points from 24 in a qualifying group that included Austria and Sweden.
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Belgium come into the tournament as eighth favourites with the bookies but are ranked fourth in the men’s Fifa rankings.
Slovakia are light on stars but could be a decent watch under Calzona, after developing a reputation for disciplined football under previous managers.
He is a disciple of Maurizio Sarri, having previously been his assistant at Napoli so expect pretty-passing patterns and possession-based football.
PSG’s Milan Skriniar and Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka are the side’s stand-out players.
Path to the Euros
Belgium arrive at the tournament unbeaten in qualification and without a loss so far under Tedesco.
They opened qualifying with a statement 3-0 win over Sweden and also beat Germany 3-2 away in a friendly in his second game in charge.
Slovakia’s qualifying form was also impressive, winning seven, drawing two and losing one.
Both of those losses came against Portugal, which could be indicative of how this game will go against quality opposition.
Team News
Thibaut Courtois, 32, is the most glaring omission from the Belgium squad.
Felt by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, he misses out through a combination of injury and bad blood between him and Tedesco.
The keeper tore his ACL in August last year and declared himself out of the Euros then, but returned for Real Madrid as they won LaLiga and the Champions League.
Courtois was angered not to have been made captain during Belgium’s home qualifier against Estonia which would have celebrated his 100th Belgian cap – he has not spoken to Tedesco since.
Elsewhere they are struggling greatly to field a defence, with Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate all doubts.
Slovakia enter the tournament with a clean bill of health.
Ones to watch
There can only be one answer for Belgium and that’s Kevin De Bruyne.
At 32, this could be his final Euros tournament and he’s coming off the back of a Manchester City season where he missed the first half with injury – meaning he should be fresh for this tournament.
He’ll be spoilt for choice when threading balls through to the front line, with Tedesco being able to pick a front-line from Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Johan Bakayoko and Romelu Lukaku.
Slovakia’s strongest player is Milan Skriniar, who was a rock for Inter Milan but has struggled at PSG, but there’s nothing very interesting about a star centre-back.
Stanislav Lobotka is a lovely central midfielder in the Jorginho mould and will keep things ticking over – he’s the sort of midfielder England could really do with.
Hellas Verona winger Tomas Suslov is tricky if a bit too mercurial – his lack of tracking back has angered Calzona in the past but who doesn’t love a maverick?
Head-to-Head
Belgium and Slovakia have only met twice in their history with both of those coming in friendlies.
The two drew 0-0 in their first meeting in 2006.
Belgium got the better of the Slovaks in 2013 with a 1-0 win.
SunSport prediction
Despite their two previous meetings yielding one goal in 180 minutes of football – Tedesco’ pressing football and wonderful attack should be too much for Slovakia.
Prediction: 3-0
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When is Belgium vs Slovakia?
- Belgium’s opening group game against Slovakia will take place on Monday, June 17.
- The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
- Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany will host the clash.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Belgium vs Slovakia will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
- You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download on to your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE on ITV 1, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Belgium – 1/2
- Draw – 7/2
- Slovakia – 11/2
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
