BELGIUM take on Slovakia in their opening Euro 2024 clash with the Red Devils still looking to win their first major tournament. Romelu Lukaku and Co have fallen short over the years despite having a ‘Golden Generation’ squad, and they’ll be desperate to get off to a flyer in Frankfurt today.
Kick-off time: 5pm BST
Stream/TV: ITV1
Belgium XI: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Carrasco; De Bruyne, Mangala, Onana, Doku; Trossard, Lukaku
Slovakia XI: Dúbravka; Pekarík, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozeník, Haraslín
EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBelgium 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.
Copy linkCopiedBelgium 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.
Copy linkCopiedView 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…..
Copy linkCopiedBelgium 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.
Copy linkCopiedView 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.
Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Belgium vs Slovakia
We are underway in Frankfurt.
It is a full house with an electric atmosphere.
Slovakia get the game started.
Copy linkCopiedSlovaks finding their feet in finals
This will be Slovakia’s third appearance in the Euros.
So far, their best performance was when they reached the last 16 of Euro 2016, losing 3-0 to Germany.
Juraj Kucka is one of three players to have featured in all Slovakia’s seven matches at the Euros, alongside Marek Hamsik and Peter Pekarik. Only Kucka has not missed a single minute.
Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP
Copy linkCopiedCoach has found that winning formula
Since taking over as Belgian manager, Domenico Tedesco is unbeaten in 14 games (W10, D4).
This is their seventh appearance at the Euros with their best showing resulting in ending up runners-up in the 1980 edition.
They have gone out in the quarter-finals of the last two tournaments, losing 3-1 to Wales in Euro 2016 and suffering a 2-1 defeat to Italy in Euro 2020.
Copy linkCopiedFront line to fear for Slovaks
There is no doubting that Belgium have a formidable attacking threat.
With De Bruyne playing in the number 10 slot, he will have Doku and Trossard either side of him.
Down the middle they have the ultimate target man in Lukaku, a striker who does not struggle to taunt sides with his physical presence and scoring abilities.
Copy linkCopiedView 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.
Copy linkCopiedRed Devils bring sea of colour
Frankfurt has been illuminated by the Belgian army for this game.
The atmosphere is building in the stadium and everyone seems in high spirits.
Red Devils’ fans are hoping to see a footballing masterclass from their talented team.
Credit: Getty
Credit: EPA
Copy linkCopiedBelgians heavy favourites for opener
The bookies cannot see past a win for The Red Devils this evening.
Belgium 1/2
Draw 100/30
Slovakia 11/2
All match odds brought to you by Betway.
Copy linkCopiedSlovakia starting XI:
Francesco Calzona will be hoping his side can step up to the plate despite their underdog tags this evening.
1. Dubravka, 16. Hancko, 14. Skriniar, 3. Vavro, 2. Pekarik, 8. Duda, 22. Lobotka, 19. Kucka, 17. Haraslin, 9. Bozenik, 26. Schranz
Credit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedBelgium 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
Credit: @BelRedDevils
Copy linkCopiedFalcons looking to spring upset
Slovakia are under no illusions how difficult their opening game will be.
Coach Francesco Calzona has spoke about he would be “delighted” if they were able to get a draw from the game.
They will need their defence to be solid as it will come under constant attack from this free-flowing Belgian side.
Copy linkCopiedTedesco with chance to write history
Belgium are currently feature 3rd in the FIFA rankings.
They have a wealth of talent at their disposal and should not find goals a problem to come by.
Romelu Lukaku was the top scorer in qualifying with 14 goals.
Copy linkCopiedFans 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.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedMidfield 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.”
Copy linkCopiedUnderdogs 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
Copy linkCopiedLast 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.
Copy linkCopiedWelcome 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 69th 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 56th cap for his country this evening.
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