The team of coach Domenico Tedesco has entered a relatively easy group at Euro 2024 with Ukraine, Slovakia, and Romania. The open and entertaining style of play, combined with a high-pressing defense, saw the Belgian team score an average of 2.75 goals per game in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Meanwhile, Slovakia is ranked lowest among the 5 teams from EURO 2024 in the FIFA rankings. Despite not being highly rated, coach Francesco Calzona’s team also successfully advanced through the qualifiers. The match between Belgium and Slovakia is the opening match in Group E, and although the odds favor the Red Devils, there are still many unexpected factors in football.
Expert opinion on Belgium vs Slovakia
After the early exit from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, Belgium underwent a significant overhaul. Under the leadership of new coach Domenico Tedesco, almost all the golden generation names in European football such as Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld… are no longer present. Instead, he has given opportunities to many promising young talents such as Arthur Vermeeren, Aster Vranckx, and Johan Bakayoko. He has brought a breath of fresh air to the Red Devils, and Belgium has not lost a match since Domenico Tedesco took charge on February 8, 2023 (14 wins, 4 draws). Currently, the Belgian national team possesses a squad of young and promising players, making them very competitive. Recently, Belgium celebrated their second international friendly victory against Luxembourg with a confident 3-0 scoreline, entering the group stage of Euro 2024. With Tedesco’s coaching, the Red Devils are expected to top the group and advance further in Germany.
This is Slovakia’s third consecutive participation in the Euro tournament. In comparison to Belgium, Slovakia’s level cannot be matched. However, they also excelled in a fiercely competitive qualifying round. In Group J, the Slovakian team finished second to Portugal with 22 points (7 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses) and secured a direct ticket to Euro 2024. Recently, Slovakia achieved their second successful friendly match against Wales with a dominant 4-0 score. If they maintain this form, they still have the potential to secure a place among the 3rd-placed teams with the best records.
Odds for the Belgium vs Slovakia match
In their last 5 matches, the Belgian national team has not suffered any defeats. They have drawn twice and won 3 matches. They have scored 12 goals and conceded 2. This is an impressive record since the major overhaul of the squad. To avenge their disappointment in Qatar 18 months ago, Tedesco has brought a young and strong squad to Germany, including:
- Jeremy Doku, a prominent figure after winning the Premier League with Man City.
- Doku, a 21-year-old right winger – Johan Bakayoko made waves in the Dutch league with PSV Eindhoven, scoring 12 goals and providing 9 assists.
- Amadou Onana contributes in midfield. He possesses a strong, dynamic playing style, good passing, and excellent defensive skills like Orel Mangala.
- Wout Faes, a center-back who has returned to the Premier League with Leicester, will be a pillar of the defense.
On the other hand, Slovakia has suffered 1 defeat, drawn 1, and won 3 in their last 5 matches. They have scored 11 goals and conceded 4. The strength of the Slovakian team lies in their solid defense.Here is the translation of the provided Vietnamese text:
“Here there are the presence of many stars such as goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka, defenders Peter Pekarík, Dávid Hancko and captain Milan Škriniar. In the forward lines, there will be the presence of players currently playing in Serie A such as Ondrej Duda, Stanislav Lobotka and Tomáš Suslov. However, compared to Belgium, the team is still inferior. These two opponents have met 3 times in history. The noteworthy point is that they drew in two matches. In the most recent encounter, the Red Devils won 3-2 against Slovakia. With many advantages in hand, it is clear that Tedesco’s team has more chances of winning.
Belgium vs Slovakia Squad Information
- Belgium: Absence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
- Slovakia: Full squad.
Predicted Starting Lineup for Belgium vs Slovakia Match
Belgium: Kaminski; Meunier, Theate, Faes, Deman; Tielemans, Vermeeren, Onana; Doku, Lukaku, Bakayoko.
Slovakia: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Lobotka, Kucka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin, Hancko, Skriniar.
Handicap: Belgium (-1.0) FT.
O/U: Under 2.5/3
1X2: Belgium to win.
Full time: Belgium 2 – 0 Slovakia
Over 3.5 cards, Over 9.5 corners.“
