The Belgian national team at this year’s EURO has fallen into a group that can be considered easy with 3 opponents rated lower. Facing Slovakia, the team considered the weakest in the group, will be the most favorable condition for the Red Devils to boost their spirits with a victory. However, whether the outcome of the match at 23:00 on June 17th is really predictable?
First half match odds for Belgium vs Slovakia
Although no longer possessing the golden generation at the peak of their form, Belgium is still considered one of the giants to watch at this EURO. The harmonious combination of experienced veterans like Kevin De Bruyne or Romelu Lukaku with the youth and enthusiasm of Jeremy Doku or Bakayoko is what helps the Red Devils maintain their position. Being disappointedly eliminated from the World Cup 2 years ago will be a great motivation for coach Domenico Tedesco and his team to leave a mark at EURO 2024. Since the defeat to Morocco in the tournament in Qatar, Belgium has maintained a streak of 15 consecutive unbeaten matches, including 10 wins and 5 draws. Although not receiving too much attention, the current strength of the red-shirted team should not be underestimated. Facing a formidable opponent like Belgium, it is not difficult to predict that Slovakia is rated lower. Although this team has a fairly decent performance before EURO 2024 with 3 wins and 1 draw in 5 matches, it is difficult to bridge the gap in terms of class. For coach Francesco Calzona and his players, a proactive defensive strategy is a reasonable choice given the circumstances.
Slovakia is not a team with a very solid defense to face the giants, but compared to the relatively unknown frontline, the defenders of this team seem more reliable. The most prominent names such as midfielder Lobotka, defender Milan Skriniar, or goalkeeper Martin Dubravka have contributed more in terms of defense, and they will be the spiritual support for the Eagles to resist the attack of Belgium in the upcoming match. In this match, the first half goal betting odds are highly feasible as in 4 out of 5 recent matches involving the Belgian national team, 1 or more goals were scored in the first 45 minutes of play. In addition, the presence of speedy wingers like Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard will help fans witness many corner kicks on Slovakia’s side of the field. Prediction: Over 1.5 first half goals, Belgium to have more corner kicks in the first half
Full match odds for Belgium vs Slovakia
Regardless of whether they have a lead in the first half or not, Belgium will continue to maintain continuous attacking pressure when the next 45 minutes begin. Coach Domenico Tedesco prioritizes dominance throughout the match because he simply wants to reduce the pressure on the relatively old and less quality defense of the Red Devils. Almost in recent matches, it is rare to see the Belgian defenders in an alarming situation. On the Slovakia side, it will be a tough challenge for coach Francesco Calzona, whether he will have his players play defensively or actively look for counter-attacking opportunities. In fact, even if they lose by a one-goal margin to Belgium, it is not too bad for Slovakia in terms of goal difference when competing for a ticket to the next round, so perhaps the expectation for the Eagles to leave the nest and hunt is relatively difficult.
Predicting in the second half, Belgium will continue to be the dominant attacking team and push Slovakia deep into their own half. It is also possible that Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates will actively accumulate goals in this match to prepare for all situations when considering performance. Despite possessing a top-class Skriniar in the center-back position, this player alone is not enough to help Slovakia resist.
For the full match handicap bet offered by the bookmaker for Belgium at -1/1.5, this is a completely feasible choice with a victory by at least a 2-goal margin because in their most recent matches, the Red Devils have dealt very well with weaker opponents. In addition, choosing “no” for the both teams to score bet will also be a suggestion as Slovakia is unlikely to have many opportunities to attack in this match.
Prediction: Belgium -1/1.5, Both teams to score – No
