The opening game in Germany resembles the end in Qatar: Group favorites Belgium disappoint against Slovakia at the European Championships. And striker Lukaku plays the central role.
Belgium and coach Domenico Tedesco got off to a false start at the European Championships and, like at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, must fear an exit in the preliminary round. The Red Devils, led by soccer stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, unexpectedly lost 1:0 (0:1) to Slovakia in Frankfurt on Monday and fell short of their high expectations despite having a clear advantage in chances.
In front of 47,000 spectators, Ivan Schranz scored the decisive goal in the 7th minute after a series of mistakes by the Belgians and thus caused the biggest surprise of the European Championship so far. Lukaku became the symbol of Belgium’s defeat. Belgium’s record goalscorer missed half a dozen chances and had two goals disallowed.
While the Slovaks can hope to reach the round of 16 as they did in 2016, the clear group favorites are already under massive pressure in their second match against leaders Romania on Saturday (21:00) in Cologne. Slovakia already face Ukraine, who lost 3-0 to Romania, on Friday (15:00).
Lukaku unlucky, Slovakia take the lead For Tedesco, it was his first game as a coach at a major tournament seven years after his time in the second division with Erzgebirge Aue. With his white shirt rolled up, the former Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig coach sang the anthem of the country he took over in February 2023 with high hopes.
And the first scenes were encouraging: after just three minutes, striker Lukaku could have made it 1:0 after a pass from Jérémy Doku was extended by De Bruyne. But the 31-year-old missed from a promising position. Shortly afterwards, Lukaku, who became Belgium’s sole European Championship record player with his eleventh appearance, had another chance, but this time he flicked the ball too far forward against the onrushing Martin Dubravka. Shortly before the break, Lukaku missed another good opportunity
Belgium’s careless exploitation of chances was quickly punished in the fast-paced opening phase of two initially very offensive teams. Doku made a mistake from their own corner flag, allowing Juraj Kucka to shoot completely free. Schranz was able to shoot in the rebound from an acute angle to take the lead. Partly because defensive boss Wout Faes had called offside.
“Deep sleep” in the first half
The quality problems in Belgium’s defense were compounded by personnel concerns. Thomas Meunier will be out until at least the Romania game, while the trio of Arthur Theate, Axel Witsel and Jan Vertonghen only returned from injury shortly before the start of the tournament.
Belgium were even well served with the 0:1 at times. After a precise attack, including a remarkable chopped pass, Lukas Haraslin (39) failed to score with his powerful volley against the strong Koen Casteels, who succeeds Champions League winner Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian goal. “I wonder how strong this Belgian team is. They need to wake up. They’ve been sound asleep so far, in all areas of the team,” said Michael Ballack at half-time on MagentaTV.
Belgium attack, Lukaku celebrates twice too early That changed after the break. And Lukaku continued to be the target man. While Dubravka defused a first chance (55′), the equalizer was scored in the next scene – which was not counted after a video review because the striker was slightly offside. The Belgians had already celebrated extensively and both teams were ready to kick off again.
A few minutes later, it was Lukaku again for the now fully pressing Belgians, this time shooting at the outside of the net. A shot from substitute Johan Bakayoko was cleared off the line. And Lukaku’s second goal was also disallowed after a review on the video screen. Leipzig substitute Lois Openda played the ball with his hand in a running duel before scoring