Slovakia secured a gritty upset 1-0 victory over Belgium in the European Championship Group E, courtesy of Ivan Schranz's quickest goal for Slovakia at a major tournament. Belgium, under coach Domenico Tedesco, suffered their first loss in 16 games, reminiscent of their disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign, despite having two goals disallowed by VAR, both attributed to Romelu Lukaku.
Tedesco expressed disappointment over missed chances but urged his team not to panic, emphasizing their dominance in possession and creating opportunities. Belgium, despite their strong performance, lacked a clinical touch and struggled against Slovakia's resolute defense.
Slovakia's Francesco Calzona acknowledged the progress made by smaller nations in football, attributing Slovakia's success to their hard work and organization. Despite facing prestigious teams like Belgium, smaller nations are narrowing the gap and can pose significant challenges to larger footballing nations.
Belgium's Lukaku, though frustrated by missed opportunities and VAR decisions, remains a top player, according to Tedesco, who emphasized supporting his players despite the defeat. Slovakia's victory showcased their defensive discipline and ability to capitalize on opportunities, marking a significant result in the tournament's early stages.
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