In a dramatic turn of events at the Allianz Arena, Slovakia pulled off the biggest upset of Euro 2024 so far, defeating Belgium 1-0. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, punctuated by VAR controversies, missed opportunities, and a historic first use of Snicko technology in a European Championship.
First Half: Slovakia Takes the Lead
The game kicked off with high energy from both sides. Belgium, the favorites, immediately pushed forward, creating an early chance in the 3rd minute when Romelu Lukaku volleyed straight into the hands of Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. However, it was Slovakia who struck first blood. In the 7th minute, Ivan Schranz capitalized on a Belgian defensive error, performing a quick one-two before tapping the ball into the net, putting Slovakia ahead 1-0.
Belgium responded aggressively, with Jeremy Doku proving to be a constant threat on the right wing. Despite several promising attacks and a golden opportunity for Leandro Trossard to score in the 21st minute, Belgium failed to find the back of the net. The Slovakian defense held firm, and the first half ended with Slovakia leading by a single goal.
Second Half: VAR Drama Unfolds
The second half saw Belgium continue to press for an equalizer. In the 56th minute, Lukaku thought he had leveled the score after tapping in a header from Amadou Onana. However, after a brief VAR check, the goal was disallowed for offside, much to the frustration of Belgian fans.
As the clock ticked down, Belgium’s desperation became evident. In the 86th minute, another Lukaku goal was disallowed by VAR, this time for a handball in the buildup by substitute Loïs Openda. This decision marked the first use of Snicko technology in Euro 2024, adding another layer of controversy to the match.
Final Moments: Slovakia Holds On
Despite Belgium’s relentless attacks in the final minutes, Slovakia’s defense, led by standout performances from Dubravka and Milan Skriniar, held strong. Seven minutes of added time only increased the tension, but Slovakia managed to withstand the Belgian onslaught. The match concluded with a 1-0 victory for Slovakia, sparking jubilant celebrations among their fans.
Post-Match Analysis: A Historic Upset
This victory marks a significant achievement for Slovakia, demonstrating their resilience and tactical discipline. For Belgium, the match will be remembered for missed chances and the impact of VAR decisions. The introduction of Snicko technology, typically used in cricket, added an unexpected twist to the game, showcasing the evolving nature of football officiating.
Belgium will need to regroup and address their finishing issues if they hope to progress further in the tournament. Slovakia, on the other hand, has proven that they are capable of competing with Europe’s elite, and their fans will be dreaming of continued success in the knockout stages.
In conclusion, the Slovakia vs. Belgium match will be remembered as a classic Euro 2024 encounter, filled with drama, emotion, and a historic upset that has set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
