Ivan Schranz scored Slovakia’s quickest goal at a major tournament to take his side to a 1-0 victory over a wasteful Belgium in the European Championships on Monday. The match result provided the first upset of the tournament so far.
It was Belgium's first time in 16 games under coach Domenico Tedesco that Belgium have lost a match. Monday evening’s game provided a flashback to the Red Devils’ calamitous 2022 World Cup Campaign. In short everything that could have gone wrong did. Much of our national team’s misfortunate was self-inflicted.
Two goals disallowed
After going behind just 5 minutes into the game. Belgium had two goals from Romelu Lukaku disallowed, the first for offside and the second a handball in the build-up. It was a frustrating day all round, but especially for Lukaku who also missed several clear-cut chances.
“It’s a pity”
Speaking after the game the Manchester City striker and Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne said "It is a pity. The first 20 minutes we were really good and we make such a mistake for which we are punished," Belgium captain Kevin de Bruyne said.
"In the second half it was better, we upped the tempo. We deserved to win but did not score and that is the way it is”.
"Apart from a few other chances we didn't give much away. We adjusted some things at halftime and then played well. We pushed, we created chances. We certainly deserved to at least a draw because we didn't play badly."
Slovakia joined Romania at the top of the standings after their 3-0 win over Ukraine in Munich earlier on Monday. Belgium next match is against Romania in Cologne on Saturday.