Belgium's Euro 2024 Hopes in Jeopardy After Shock Defeat
A disappointing start to the Euro 2024 campaign
Belgium stunned by Slovakia in Group E opener
Belgium's hopes of a third successive EURO triumph suffered a major setback on Thursday as they were stunned by Slovakia in their Group E opener. The Red Devils, under new manager Domenico Tedesco, were heavy favorites against their less-fancied opponents, but they were outplayed for much of the game and ultimately deserved to lose.
Slovakia took the lead in the 15th minute through a stunning strike from Stanislav Lobotka. Belgium equalized just before half-time through Romelu Lukaku, but Slovakia restored their lead in the second half through a penalty from Marek Hamsik. Belgium pushed for an equalizer but were unable to find a way through the resolute Slovakian defense.
The result leaves Belgium with an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages. They face Russia in their next game on Monday, and they will need to win that match if they want to keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.
Tedesco was left to rue his team's missed chances after the game.
"We had enough chances to win the game," he said. "But we didn't take them. We need to be more clinical in front of goal."
Belgium will be hoping to bounce back from this disappointing defeat when they face Russia on Monday. However, they will need to show a significant improvement in performance if they want to get a result against a strong Russian team.
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