Second surprise in Group E of the Euro. After Romania’s victory against Ukraine (3-0), Slovakia beat Belgium in Frankfurt (1-0).
However, it was the Belgians who got off to a great start, led by Jérémy Doku who was determined to make a difference on his right side. Romelu Lukaku, however, missed the 1-0 goal after a decisive breakthrough from the Manchester City winger.
A little too confident, Doku then attempted a dangerous dribble near his corner post. Juraj Kucka inherited the leather in the area and his shot, returned by Koen Casteels, the substitute for Thibaut Courtois in front of the Belgian goal, fell at the feet of Ivan Schranz. The Slovak striker, with the flat of his foot, plunged the Red Devils into full doubt (7th).
VAR against Lukaku
Silent during the group stage of the last World Cup which saw Belgium exit prematurely, Romelu Lukaku did not regain his confidence. After his initial failure, he lost a face-to-face with Martin Dubravka (42nd), before seeing his equalizing goal canceled by the VAR for an offside position (56th).
And when the AS Roma scorer victoriously took over a good serve from the incoming Loïs Openda at the end of the match (86th), the VAR intervened again to sanction a hand from the decisive passer. If it wants to avoid another snub in a major competition, Belgium will have to pull itself together on Saturday against Romania.
ats/efas
