Five things we learnt from Belgium 0-1 Slovakia

In a stunning turn of events in Frankfurt, Slovakia secured a historic 1-0 victory over Belgium, causing ripples of shock throughout the footballing world. The match unveiled a multitude of insights into both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.

Here are five things we learnt.

Expect the unexpected from Slovakia

Slovakia’s triumph over Belgium stands as one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament. Despite being ranked 48th in the world, Slovakia managed to outshine a Belgian side who are ranked third. Ivan Schranz’s opportunistic goal, capitalising on a defensive error, proved to be the decisive moment that propelled them to an unforgettable victory.

Though they’d been written off by some as the lowest-ranked side in their group, today’s performance shows that Francesco Calzona’s side are not to be dismissed.

Lukaku off the boil?

Belgium’s star striker, Romelu Lukaku, found himself at the centre of missed opportunities and frustrations throughout the match. Despite being a constant threat in the box, Lukaku was unable to convert several clear-cut chances and had two goals disallowed by VAR. The match highlighted the fine margins that can cost sides at this tournament and the need for clinical finishing.

The Euros are not immune from VAR controversy

The use of VAR added a layer of controversy to the match, particularly with Romelu Lukaku’s disallowed goals. The decision to overturn Lukaku’s first apparent equaliser due to an offside was less controversial, but a harsh handball decision against Loïs Openda in the buildup saw another disallowed in the last minutes of the game and stirred more debate. Premier League fans might have hoped for a break from the endless VAR discourse, but the interpretation of handball rules and their impact on a potentially game-changing moment became a focal point of discussion in the aftermath of the game.

Belgium must improve in front of goal

Despite boasting an array of attacking talent, Belgium struggled to convert their chances against a resilient Slovakian defence. Players like Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku failed to capitalise on opportunities, leaving Belgium rueing their wastefulness in the final third. The defeat will prompt Domenico Tedesco’s side to work on their efficiency and composure in front of goal ahead of their next outing.

Slovakia’s fans can take hope from a streetwise performance

Slovakia’s jubilant celebrations at the final whistle captured the essence of their monumental victory over Belgium. Supporters waving scarves, players embracing in joy, and a united display of passion showcased the magnitude of the triumph. Slovakia’s astute performance, marked by tactical discipline and resilience, highlighted their status as a team to be reckoned with in the tournament; all of a sudden, the group looked far more open.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the tournament unfolds, here on FromTheSpot.