Slovakia, a side ranked 48th in the world, will be hoping to pull off a mighty upset when they face strong group favourites Belgium on Monday. The odds are against them doing so, but perhaps the reduced pressure from being significant underdogs may work in their favour.
Belgium are no strangers to playing with pressure though, having been regular World Cup and Euro participants in recent years. During their last Euro campaign, the Red Devils won all their group-stage games, but this was when they were still enjoying their Golden Generation period.Belgium’s best chance to win an international trophy seems to have been and gone but you would not want to write them off too soon in Germany. An emphatic win in this Group E opener may just get people talking a little more seriously about their chances.
- Location: Frankfurt
- Stadium: Frankfurt Arena (Deutsche Bank Park)
- Date: 17 June 2024
- Kick-off Time: 18:00 CEST (17:00 BST)
- Referee: Umut Meler
- VAR: Bastian Dankert
Belgium Team News
Slovakia Team News
There is some good news in the Slovakia camp ahead of this clash as team doctor Zsolt Fegyveres confirmed Juraj Kucka is fully fit. The 37-year-old had been suffering from a shoulder problem that kept him out for two months, but he returned on Friday in the win over Wales. He did take a blow to the face during the match, but this proved to be purely cosmetic. Kucka was not the only player left in discomfort by the bruising Wales friendly. Róbert Boženík and László Bénes also picked up problems, but both are thought to be minor at this stage.
Belgium vs Slovakia H2H Record and Key Numbers
You cannot take too much from the head-to-head record between these teams. They have only met three times, and the most recent occasion was over a decade ago. The 2013 encounter was heading for another 1-1 scoreline, but a 90th-minute Dries Mertens goal handed Belgium their first win over Slovakia.
| Date | Result | Competition |
| 06 Feb 2013 | Belgium 2-1 Slovakia | International Friendly |
| 20 May 2006 | Slovakia 1-1 Belgium | International Friendly |
| 17 Apr 2002 | Belgium 1-1 Slovakia | International Friendly |
Belgium’s Golden Generation may be over but they will take great confidence in the fact they are extremely difficult to beat under Tedesco. The Red Devils are currently enjoying a run of 15 matches without a loss and they have conceded a mere eight goals in this time.
Slovakia’s form is not quite as formidable, but it has only tasted defeat three times in its last 15 matches. Additionally, they come into this tournament straight on the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Wales.
Possible Lineups
- Belgium (3-4-3): Casteels – Faes, Witsel, De Cuyper – Castagne, Mangala, Onana, Doku – Trossard, Lukaku, De Bruyne
- Slovakia (4-3-3): Dúbravka – Pekarík, Vavro, Škriniar, Hancko – Lobotka, Kucka, Duda – Haraslín, Boženík, Suslov
Where to Watch Belgium vs Slovakia Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming
The match will be broadcast on Belgium’s VRT 1 and Slovaki’s TV Markízaenta. In the UK, viewers can watch the action live on ITV or STV (in Scotland).
Prediction: Belgium vs Slovakia
Belgium is the clear favourite for this clash, and it’s for good reason. They have been playing some good football under Domenico Tedesco, who has yet to taste defeat as Belgium manager. While I expect them to collect all three points here, I do not think it will be a complete walk in the park. Slovakia is a better outfit than many people give them credit for, and they have not lost a game by more than two goals since Euro 2020. So, my main prediction for this one is a 2-0 Belgian victory.
Check out our Belgium vs Slovakia tips page for more stats and predictions.
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