New Delhi: Belgium and Slovakia will kick off their campaign in the 17th edition of Europe’s premier international football competition – UEFA Euro 2024 – tonight (June 17, Monday) in Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. They are the stronger contingents from Group E, which also features Romania and Ukraine. Both teams will look to start their hunt for a trophy with a win.
Belgium’s journey over the past decade has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Though during their peak of performance, they weren’t able to win any trophy, they have been a team that has consistently featured in the knockout stages of international football. More recently, they have found talents who can be potential starters for the team.
Since their Qatar World Cup exit from the group stage, the Belgian squad has been in great form. Domenico Tedesco’s side has been unbeaten since and arrives in the European Championship with friendly wins over Montenegro and Luxembourg. They scored five times in the two games and conceded zero. Tedesco has had a very good impact on the squad, and the players have performed well under him.
Slovakia, on the other hand, will feature in their third successive European Championship. They were able to proceed to the round of 16 in their 2016 campaign but were eliminated in the group stage during Euro 2020.
Francesco Calzona has brought a new era of hope to the Slovakia camp. The Italian coach has led the team to remarkable success since taking over in November 2022. Despite their previous struggle in the tournament, Slovakia will come on high confidence after a couple of impressive wins against San Marino and Wales, beating both teams 4-0. In the seven games leading up to the campaign, they have only lost one game.
Team news
Belgium will most likely appear without Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate in their opening game. Fellow defender Thomas Meunier is also doubtful of taking the field.
The expected lineup for the Red Devils is likely 3-4-2-1, with Romelu Lukaku, the country’s all-time highest goalscorer, leading the line. The 31-year-old has scored 85 goals in his 115 appearances and will be crucial for the team to perform well.
The Machester City duo of Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne will likely feature on the side, with De Bruyne also being the side’s captain. The absences in the back could mean that Maxim De Cuyper might get his third cap for the national side. Axel Witsel is expected to be in the middle of the defence with Wout Faes of Leicester City in the same field. Everton’s Amadou Onana also will be in the middle of midfield alongside Orel Mangala. Youri Tielemans and Arthur Vermeeren will be in the reserves.
For Slovakia, Denis Vavro is still recovering from a minor thigh problem, though the defender may play the game on Monday. Juraj Kucka is expected to be fit for the game despite some previous injury issues.
Robert Bozenik, with his seven goals for his country, is also likely to be in the field. Milan Skriniar will also play his 69th game for the national side, leading the side. Ondrej Duda will also be at the start of the squad, scoring 13 goals for his side. Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, playing his 56 the game for the country, will be another important player for Belgium to perform well in the tournament.
Predicted lineup
Belgium: Casteels; Faes, Witsel, De Cuyper; Castagne, Mangala, Onana, Doku; Trossard, De Bruyne; Lukaku
Slovakia: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Head to Head
Belgium are unbeaten in their contest against Slovakia, having won one of its three previous contests. Both teams have played two draw games. With Belgium’s current form, Slovakia needs to put its best strategy in place to win the opening of its tournament.
When, where and how to watch the Belgium vs Slovakia match in India?
The Belgium vs Slovakia UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 9:30 pm IST tonight.
Belgium will hope to extend their undefeated streak to 15 games whilst Slovakia will be keen on performing better than their 2020 Euro. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
