Belgium 0-1 Slovakia: Romelu Lukaku thwarted twice by VAR as top contenders in Group E suffer surprise defeat at Euro 2024
Belgium suffered a 1-0 defeat against Slovakia at Euro 2024, with Romelu Lukaku seeing two goals disallowed by VAR. Slovakia took the lead early on through Ivan Schranz after Jeremy Doku’s giveaway near Belgium’s penalty area. Despite Lukaku’s efforts to equalize in the second half, both of his goals were overturned by VAR — once for offside and once for a handball by Lois Openda in the build-up. Slovakia’s disciplined, aggressive play earned them a surprising victory, with Schranz’s early strike proving decisive.
The Red Devils, traditionally strong contenders, now face added pressure to secure a spot in the knockout stages but looked far from their best in this match. Belgium started brightly with Doku prominent, but his mistake led to Slovakia’s opener when Robert Bozenik’s flick set up Juraj Kucka, whose shot rebounded for Schranz to score.
In the second half, Belgium improved, particularly after Openda entered the game. Lukaku seemed to have restored parity twice, first from Onana’s header and later from Openda’s setup, but both efforts were annulled by VAR. Slovakia defended resolutely throughout the match, marking their most significant victory since their 2010 World Cup triumph over Italy. With upcoming matches against Romania and Ukraine, Slovakia now eyes a place in the last 16.
### Key Discussion: Belgium’s Challenges Ahead
Belgium’s aging “golden generation” faces critical questions following this defeat. Once considered potential contenders for major honors, their current squad dynamics and depth pose challenges. Manager Domenico Tedesco may need to introduce younger players like Openda and Johan Bakayoko, who showed promise as substitutes. Adjusting their mentality is also crucial; Slovakia’s determination contrasted sharply with Belgium’s lack of urgency.
### Player of the Match: Lukas Haraslin (Slovakia)
While Slovakia had numerous standout performers, Haraslin’s constant threat and energy were pivotal in setting the tempo for his team.
### Player Ratings
**Belgium:**
– Casteels 6
– Castagne 5
– Faes 6
– Debast 6
– Carrasco 5
– Mangala 5
– Onana 5
– Trossard 5
– De Bruyne 6
– Doku 5
– Lukaku 5
*Subs:*
– Bakayoko 6
– Tielemans 6
– Openda 7
– Lukebakio 6
**Slovakia:**
– Dubravka 7
– Pekalik 7
– Vavro 8
– Skriniar 8
– Hancko 8
– Kucka 7
– Lobotka 7
– Duda 7
– Schranz 7
– Bozenik 8
– Haraslin 8
*Subs:*
– Strelec 6
– Suslov 6
– Duris 6
– Obert 6
### Key Moments
**3′ – Doku’s Error Leads to Slovakia’s Opener:**
Doku’s misplaced pass was intercepted, leading to Slovakia’s first goal. Bozenik’s backheel found Kucka, whose shot rebounded for Schranz to volley home.
**56′ – Lukaku’s Disallowed Goal (Offside):**
Lukaku initially thought he had equalized after Onana’s header, but VAR ruled him offside.
**86′ – Lukaku’s Disallowed Goal (Handball):**
Openda set up Lukaku for what seemed like a legitimate goal, only for VAR to intervene again, detecting a handball in the build-up.
Belgium’s disappointment underscores the challenges they face in advancing in the tournament, while Slovakia celebrates a memorable victory that bolsters their prospects for progressing to the knockout rounds.