Slovakia emerged victorious in a surprising 1-0 upset against Belgium in their opening Group E fixture of Euro 2024. The match, held at the Tehelne Pole Stadium in Bratislava, Slovakia, saw the underdogs defy expectations with a resilient defensive performance and a clinical counter-attacking goal.
Belgium, ranked number one in the FIFA World Rankings, entered the tournament as heavy favorites. Their star-studded squad, featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, boasted immense experience on the international stage. Slovakia, on the other hand, ranked a lowly 29th, had a relatively young and inexperienced team.
The match began with Belgium controlling possession, patiently probing the Slovakian defense. De Bruyne, as usual, orchestrated most of the attacks, threading dangerous passes into the box. However, the Slovakian backline, marshalled by the impressive Milan Škriniar, stood firm, effectively thwarting Belgium's attempts.
The first half was a tactical stalemate, with neither side managing to break the deadlock. Slovakia occasionally threatened on the counter-attack, with Juraj Kucka causing problems for the Belgian defense with his pace and power.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Belgium dominating possession but struggling to convert it into clear-cut chances. Slovakia, emboldened by their defensive resolve, began to show more attacking intent. In the 65th minute, their persistence paid off. A swift counter-attack saw Stanislav Lobotka play a delightful through ball to Ondrej Duda, who raced past the Belgian defense and slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois to send the home crowd into raptures.
Buoyed by the goal, Slovakia adopted a more defensive approach, frustrating the increasingly desperate Belgians. Roberto Martinez's substitutions failed to spark a comeback, as Slovakia held on for a historic victory. The win not only throws Group E wide open but also serves as a reminder that underestimation can be a costly mistake in major tournaments.