Joining Romania and Ukraine in what appears to be a very open group, both Belgium and Slovakia are eager to start their campaigns with a win. While Belgium isn’t widely tipped to win Euro 2024, they have the potential to be dark horses.
Under Domenico Tedesco, Belgium enters the tournament after friendly wins over Montenegro and Luxembourg, scoring five goals without conceding any. They are unbeaten in all competitions since their 2-0 loss to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage. Historically, Belgium’s best performance at the Euros was as runners-up in 1980.
Belgium is favored to top Group E, with matches against Romania on June 22 and Ukraine on June 26 following their opener against Slovakia.
Slovakia, meanwhile, aims for at least a second-place finish in the group, with hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams if necessary. The Falcons haven't qualified for a World Cup since 2010 but competed at Euro 2020, though they only managed one win in the group stage. Their best European Championship performance was reaching the last 16 in 2016.
Slovakia comes into Euro 2024 with confidence from 4-0 friendly wins over San Marino and Wales. They have lost just one of their last seven matches and finished second in their qualifying group behind Portugal, amassing 22 points from 10 games.
Slovakia will be looking for their first-ever win over Belgium, having drawn two and lost one of their previous encounters. The last match between the two teams was a friendly in February 2013, which Belgium won.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Belgium is expected to miss Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate for their Group E opener due to injuries, with Thomas Meunier also doubtful. The Red Devils will likely use a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring Romelu Lukaku, their all-time leading scorer with 85 goals in 115 appearances.Manchester City's Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne will also be in the starting lineup. Due to defensive absences, Maxim De Cuyper of Club Brugge might start, earning just his third cap. Axel Witsel will likely play in central defense alongside Leicester City's Wout Faes. In midfield, Everton's Amadou Onana and Orel Mangala are expected to start, with Youri Tielemans and Arthur Vermeeren on the bench.
For Slovakia, Denis Vavro has a slight thigh issue but is expected to start. Juraj Kucka should also be fit despite recent injuries. Up front, Robert Bozenik, with seven international goals, will feature.
The Slovakia squad is led by PSG defender Milan Skriniar, set to earn his 69th cap. Their leading scorer, Ondrej Duda, with 13 goals, is another key player. Napoli's Stanislav Lobotka, with 56 caps, will also be crucial in midfield.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Belgium possible starting lineup:Casteels; Faes, Witsel, De Cuyper; Castagne, Mangala, Onana, Doku; Trossard, De Bruyne; Lukaku
Slovakia possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
EXPERT PREDICTION
Belgium 3-1 Slovakia
Slovakia has the ability to give Belgium a tough match, and a draw wouldn't be surprising. However, we think Belgium's stronger attacking lineup will help them secure a narrow victory.
While Kylian Mbappe is the favorite to win the Golden Boot this summer, Romelu Lukaku also has a strong chance and we expect him to score in this game.
