Belgium vs Slovakia LIVE SCORE: Red Devils get Euro 2024 campaign underway against Slovaks – latest updates

Belgium 0-0 Slovakia

5. Belgium look so dangerous on the attack.

Slovakia just cannot cope with Jeremy Doku.

He finds Romelu Lukaku but his shot is blocked by the onrushing keeper on the edge of his box.

Trossard picks up the loose ball but dwells on it for too long before getting it into the box and the keeper gathers.

Belgium 0-0 Slovakia

3. Somehow, the scores are still level.

Doku cut in from the right as he ghosted past the Slovakian players.

He lays it off to De Bruyne who stretches out a leg but the keeper blocks it.

It drops to Lukaku, who seems certain to score, but once again the keeper saves.

View from SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Frankfurt

No shortage of Slovak fans inside the Waldstadion (as it used to be called)  – and no shortage of them at breakfast in my hotel either.

My fault for not getting there earlier….but all the scrambled eggs were gone. Hashtag #poormartin

They’ve made the three mile journey from the centre of town and are in good voice, although significantly outnumbered by the Belgian supporters who look to be in expectant mood.

This COULD be fun…..

Belgium 0-0 Slovakia

1. This should be an interesting contest this evening.

Many have already written off Slovakia, including the bookies.

They are a good football team and if Belgium have an off day, they could cause an upset.

View from SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Frankfurt

Belgium go into the match as strong favourites, despite their nervousness.

As a measure of the difference in status, Lukaku – still nominally a Chelsea player with two years left on his Stamford Bridge contract despite not playing for the Blues for the past two seasons – has scored 12 tournament goals in his career.

Slovakia, admittedly only a separate football nation for 30 years after the break-up of the former Czechoslovakia, have scored NINE in total.

View from SunSport’s Martin Lipton in Frankfurt

We need to talk about Kevin.

Kevin De Bruyne, that is.

The fulcrum of Manchester City for the Guardiola glory era, but who is suddenly looking vulnerable, uncertain, no longer what he was.

That huge eight inch scar on his right hamstring is the visible evidence of why the doubts are swirling.

But with most of Belgium’s “Golden Generation” now part of Red Devils’ history, De Bruyne has to show he is still able to mesmerise and cajole.

Belgium were a mess in Qatar, a squad riven by internal doubts and squabbles, De Bruyne’s observation that the team was “too old” fair but damaging.

This is a different Belgium but still looking to the City man and Romelu Lukaku for inspiration.

The heat is on, too. If Belgium are not right, Slovakia’s aggressive press could really undo them.

Belgium’s injury issues have continued, with Axel Witsel ruled out while Thomas Meunier is still recuperating back home, so Leicester’s Wout Faes is partnered by Anderlecht rookie Zeno Debast at the back.

Belgium starting XI:

The Red Devils name a strong side to take on Slovakia this evening in Frankfurt.

1. Casteels, 11. Carrasco, 2. Debast, 4. Faes, 21. Castagne, 24. Onana, 18. Mangala, 9. Trossard, 7. De Bruyne, 22. Doku, 10. Lukaku

Fans using all forms of transport for game

As both Belgium and Slovakia fans head to the stadium, they are getting there by any means possible.

The first game of the group is always a highly-anticipated event and no one wants to miss it.

They will be hoping for a classic encounter this evening.

Midfield maestro looking to make a difference

Kevin De Bruyne has won it all with Man City but his focus now is solely on ensuring it is a summer of celebration for his homeland.

“I feel the team is ready and has a lot of energy to do something good.

“Since my return from injury in January I think overall it’s been good. I’ve played most of the games and at a good level in my view.

“So I feel good now, hoping to help Belgium do well in this tournament.”

Underdogs looking to frustrate

Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona was asked about today’s game from his team’s perspective:

We know we are by no means favourites for the match. I hope the team plays beyond themselves and get the utmost in terms of result. What matters is not losing. Belgium are good in transition and on the counter-attack, but we have our own way of playing. When you press well it can be an advantage, but if you don’t then you leave more space.

Francesco CalzonaSlovakia coach

Last chance saloon for legends

Belgium were graced with some quality players in what was dubbed as their ‘golden generation’.

While some of those players have now retired, the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Romelu Lukaku will see this as their final chance to get their hands on the European trophy.

This is a talented side and The Red Devils will feel they have as good a chance as anyone of going all the way.

Welcome to Belgium vs Slovakia

Belgium and Slovakia meet at the Frankfurt Arena this evening in the first game of their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany.

Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne will be key players to Belgium’s chances but the absences at the back could mean a start for Maxim De Cuyper, with the Club Brugge defender is in line to win his third cap for the national side.

Axel Witsel is also set to fill in a hole in the middle of defence along with Leicester City’s Wout Faes.

Everton’s Amadou Onana should be joined by Orel Mangala in the middle of midfield with the likes of Youri Tielemans and Arthur Vermeeren being left in reserve.

For Slovakia, Denis Vavro is nursing a slight thigh problem but the defender is expected to be given the nod for a starting berth.

Juraj Kucka should also be fit despite some recent injury issues, while there is expected to be a spot in the final third of the pitch for Robert Bozenik, who has seven goals for his national team.

PSG defender Milan Skriniar, who is set to win his 69^th cap for his country, while leading scorer Ondrej Duda is expected to be a certain starter for The Falcons.

Another key player for Slovakia is 29-year-old Stanislav Lobotka, with the Napoli midfielder is set to win his 56^th cap for his country this evening.