Lukaku denied twice by VAR in first major shock of Euro 2024

Euro 2024 witnessed its first major shock of the tournament as Slovakia stunned Belgium 1-0 in Frankfurt.

Slovakia, appearing at just their third European Championship as an independent nation, claimed the famous victory through Ivan Schranz’s effort in only the seventh minute.

The Red Devils missed a number of chances to equalise, particularly through the luckless Romelu Lukaku who had two goals ruled out by VAR.

But Slovakia held on to deal Belgium’s their first defeat in 15 games under Dominico Tedesco and blow Group E wide open following Romania’s 3-0 win over Ukraine.

As it happened

Belgium made a positive start to the game, with Romelu Lukaku missing two great opportunities to give his side an early lead in Frankfurt.

But out of nowhere Slovakia were 1-0 up as Jeremy Doku gifted the ball away to allow Juraj Kucha to strike at goal.

Koen Casteels saved the effort but could only parry it to Schranz, who found the net from a tight angle and stun their much-fancied opponents.

A horrible defensive error gifts Slovakia the lead against Belgium 🇸🇰#Euro2024 | #BELSVK pic.twitter.com/V3zuosaL2S

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2024

The Red Devils immediately tried to re-assert their dominance but some disciplined Slovakian defending kept clear-cut chances to a minimum, with Leandro Trossard denied before Amadou Onana headed straight at Dubravka from a corner.

And the Repre were so nearly 2-0 up as the half-time whistle edged closer, with Casteels at full stretch to keep out a fantastic first-time volley from Lukas Haraslin.

Moments later Romelu Lukaku spurned another excellent opportunity to level after the Chelsea striker was played through for a one-on-one by a brilliant through ball by Yannick Carrasco.

Lukaku brought the ball down before opting to take the ball round the goalkeeper instead of shooting and his heavy touch went out of play.

The 31-year-old’s bad luck continued in the second half when he thought he had equalised from…

Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/belgium-slovakia-euro-2024-report/

Author : Cian Cheesbrough

Publish date : 2024-06-17 17:58:09

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