Belgium Stunned By Slovakia In Euro 2024 Opener Despite Lukaku's Efforts

Domenico Tedesco refrained from blaming individual performances as Belgium faced a Euro 2024 defeat against Slovakia, with Romelu Lukaku missing several opportunities. Ivan Schranz's seventh-minute goal in Frankfurt marked the difference on Monday, as Slovakia surprised the world's third-best team in their tournament opener.

Belgium forward Lukaku had a challenging game, missing two significant first-half chances and seeing two goals disallowed by VAR as Tedesco's side sought a late equaliser. Lukaku's expected goals (xG) tally was 0.82, significantly higher than Slovakia's combined total of 0.59. Despite the loss, Tedesco did not single out any players for criticism.

"For me, it hurts a lot," Tedesco said. "I don't want to point the finger at people. You can be sure we will speak about many things but we will do it internally and not through the media. I knew we would lose one day but unfortunately it was today."

Tedesco acknowledged the team's efforts, noting that they created numerous chances. "We created many chances, big chances. Of course, if we take one, then it makes the game easier," he added.

When questioned about Lukaku's form, Tedesco defended the striker. "Romelu has been playing for Belgium for a long time," he said. "He knows how to score goals; I don't need to tell him that. He is a top-class player with great character."

Lukaku saw his first effort ruled out for offside after Amadou Onana's headed knockdown, and his late finish was overturned due to Lois Openda's handball in the build-up. "It's tough to speak," Tedesco continued. "If we had won I could tell you more about my opinion. But we lost and I want to be seen as a fair manager so I don't say anything."

Belgium's defeat leaves Group E wide open after Romania defeated Ukraine 3-0 on the same day. Tedesco's side now needs a response against Edward Iordanescu's team on Saturday to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne also expressed his frustration following the defeat, their first group-stage loss at the European Championship since 2016. "It is a pity," said the Manchester City star. "The first 20 minutes we were really good and we made such a mistake for which we were punished."

De Bruyne noted that Belgium improved in the second half but failed to convert their chances into goals. "We deserved to win but did not score and that is the way it is," he said. "Apart from a few other chances we didn't give much away."

Despite the setback, Tedesco remains optimistic about using this disappointment as motivation for future matches. "Naturally everyone is disappointed but you can harness that," he said. "You can make use of it."

Belgium will face Romania next, needing a victory to stay in contention for advancing past the group stage.