Belgium vs Slovakia LIVE! Euro 2024 match stream, latest score and goal updates today
LIVE – Updated at 18:58
Belgium vs Slovakia LIVE!
The Red Devils may be ranked third in the world but tonight kick off their Euro 2024 campaign not considered among the favourites to go all the way, while also being too packed with talent to get the tag of ‘dark horses’.
The Golden Generation of Belgian stars, including the likes of Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany, have been and gone without silverware, but Kevin De Bruyne and a host of younger talent could still spring a surprise in Germany. Slovakia are their first opponents in Group E, which also includes Romania and Ukraine, who played out a surprisingly one-sided fixture in Munich earlier.
It is an open group, and one which Slovakia will have firm eyes on qualifying from after a group-stage exit at Euro 2020. Influential leader Milan Skriniar and anchorman Stanislav Lobotka will have to be at their best today to prevent the Falcons kicking things off with a defeat. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog.
Belgium vs Slovakia latest updates
- DISALLOWED: Lukaku goal given offside
- GOAL: Schranz gives Slovakia the lead
- Kick-off
- How to watch: ITV and ITVX
FT | Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
18:57 , Dom Smith
An amazing win for Slovakia. Belgium never turned up here and have made a nightmarish start to the tournament.
All of Slovakia’s coaching staff dart straight onto the pitch to celebrate.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 90+4'
18:53 , Dom Smith
Obert is on in Slovakia’s backline. He replaces a shattered-looking Duda.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 90+3'
18:52 , Dom Smith
Minutes away from a famous win for Slovakia.
De Bruyne beats three men but his shot is weak and Dubravka gets down to save.
NO GOAL!
18:50 , Dom Smith
VAR intervene and disallow the goal for an accidental goal by Openda in the build-up. So tough on Lukaku but it doesn’t count.
SEVEN added minutes here.
GOOOOAAAALLLLL
18:46 , Dom Smith
Slovakia have their lead taken off them as Lukaku scores his 86th Belgium goal in the 86th minute.
Openda with good work down the left, he squares it to Lukaku. The Roma man slams home.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 84'
18:44 , Dom Smith
More chances for Belgium as Doku and Carrasco make way for Lukebakio and Openda come on.
Openda, for RB Leipzig, has 56 goal contributions in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 81'
18:40 , Dom Smith
David Duris comes on for goalscorer Schranz, who has worked hard throughout, though seen little of the ball besides his obvious crowning moment.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 79'
18:38 , Dom Smith
Long period of possession for Slovakia, allowing them to regain some energy after a taxing 10 minutes chasing Belgian shadows.
Kucka has a sight of goal but fires well wide of Casteels’s goal.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 77'
18:35 , Dom Smith
Tielemans of Aston Villa replaces Arsenal’s Trossard. Tielemans straight into the book for fouling Suslov as he sought to counter.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 74'
18:33 , Dom Smith
Bakayoko for Mangala remains Tedesco’s only change for Belgium so far.
Time, perhaps, for someone like Lois Openda to add something to the attack now?
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 72'
18:30 , Dom Smith
A lovely jinking run by Duda opens up play by Slovakia, who it seems are raising their levels once more.
Just over 15 minutes away from a famous, famous major tournament win now.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 70'
18:29 , Dom Smith
Suslov, a winger for Verona, replaces Haraslin.
Striker Bozenik makes way and Strelec comes on up front.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 69'
18:28 , Dom Smith
Belgium have definitely upped the ante in recent minutes, now putting more pressure on Slovakia.
Bakayoko has had a busy first few minutes in the fray, so nearly the scorer of the equaliser but for Hancko’s heroic block.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 63'
18:23 , Dom Smith
Bakayoko SO close to levelling but his effort is blocked on the line by Hancko.
Hancko collapses to the floor with the diving block and clashes his head against Vavro’s knee.
Fortunately he seems OK and is being seen to off the pitch.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 59'
18:20 , Dom Smith
Decent effort from Trossard. Denied by Dubravka. Belgium are growing.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 57'
18:19 , Dom Smith
Mangala comes off and is replaced by another attacker, Bakayoko, as Belgium go for it.
GOOOOOOAAAA... No.
18:17 , Dom Smith
Lukaku forces a save from Dubravka and within a minute he thinks he’s scored his 86th international goal to equalise for Belgium.
De Bruyne’s short corner finds Trossard who crosses for Onana. The header back leaves Lukaku a tap-in. He obliges.
But his right foot is offside and the goal is disallowed. Slovakia keep their lead!
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 53'
18:12 , Dom Smith
De Bruyne has nine assists in major tournaments since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil — more than any other European player — but you wouldn’t know it.
The 32-year-old has barely been noticeable in this match.
Lets Vavro get away and the centre-back comes so close to Slovakia’s second as his shot flies wide. Belgium need to wrestle some control in this game. They’ve been almost hopeless.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 47'
18:07 , Dom Smith
Haraslin fancies his chances against Castagne and cuts in on his right before curling on goal. Just wide but another chance from Slovakia!
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 46'
18:05 , Dom Smith
Back underway in the second half!
Belgium need more
17:53 , Dom Smith
We saw so little of De Bruyne and Lukaku in that first half.
Trossard was quiet too, and Doku’s error led directly to Slovakia’s goal.
A really disappointing first half from the Red Devils. Tedesco needs his key men to step up after the interval.
Timothy Castagne offers instructions to his Belgium team-mates (AFP via Getty Images)
HT | Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
17:49 , Dom Smith
Half-time in Frankfurt, and a major shock is on the cards.
We didn’t know what state Belgium would start in, but they have found Slovakia a difficult proposition indeed.
1-0 Slovakia at the break!
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 45'
17:47 , Dom Smith
Casteels’s clearance flies into touch for a Slovakia throw-in and, as the screen goes up showing two added minutes at the end of this first half, there must be a feeling among the Slovakians that they really could complete a shock here.
Belgium have just not been at the races.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 42'
17:43 , Dom Smith
Should be 1-1! Carrasco picks Lukaku out with a long pass that finds him perfectly.
But the Roma man can’t quite take the ball down. Should have controlled it better and then tucked home.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 41'
17:42 , Dom Smith
Goalscorer Schranz booked for a push that sees Carrasco tumble to the floor.
SO CLOSE
17:41 , Dom Smith
Slovakia counter beautifully, Kucka controlling down the right with a lovely flick before crossing.
Haraslin hits it fully on the volley. Connection is sweet but Casteels parries well.
Belgium really are on the ropes!
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 39'
17:39 , Dom Smith
Error from Castagne of Fulham, whose attempted clearance spins behind for a needless Slovakia corner.
Feels a mismatch as Carrasco is told to mark Skriniar, but fortunately for Belgium it’s a poor corner and easily cleared.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 36'
17:37 , Dom Smith
De Bruyne curls in a corner from the right. It lands on the head of Onana, but he has to generate the pace himself.
The header is right at Dubravka, who catches. They’ll have to offer a little more than that.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 32'
17:32 , Dom Smith
Bozenik, the Slovakian striker, gets his first sight of goal, allowed to turn by Debast. His shot is too close to Casteels.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 31'
17:31 , Dom Smith
“They’re the first to every second ball the moment, Slovakia”, says ex-England winger Andros Townsend on co-commentary for ITV.
He’s not wrong, either.
Duda and Lobotka pulling the strings in midfield when they do win it, too.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 28'
17:29 , Dom Smith
Pekarik nibbles at the feet of Trossard, who goes down and is given a free-kick.
Tedesco not happy at the force of the challenge but it’s not enough to warrant a booking.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 26'
17:26 , Dom Smith
Belgium have had just 44 per cent of possession so far. Their usual control is yet to materialise in Frankfurt.
De Bruyne seeks control as Everton's Onana watches on (AFP via Getty Images)
CLOSE!
17:22 , Dom Smith
Dubravka very relieved. De Bruyne pressed the keeper and his clearance lands at the feet of Trossard.
He’s a lucky boy, Dubravka, as Trossard fires over. Slovakia have worked hard for this lead. Best not throw it away...
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 20'
17:20 , Dom Smith
Plenty of noise from the Slovakian fans at the Waldstadion, as their side swing in their first corner of the match.
Unconventional corner routine but Belgium get it clear.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 16'
17:17 , Dom Smith
A nice turn from De Bruyne in midfield opens up play. He finds Manchester City team-mate Doku, who cuts inside but his shot is blocked.
Error-strewn start but positive signs for Belgium.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia | 13'
17:14 , Dom Smith
That goal has really shaken Belgium, with Doku and Castagne having misplaced further passes since the goal.
They need to compose themselves.
De Bruyne caught by Pekarik.
Slovakia score opener through Ivan Schranz (AFP via Getty Images)
GOOOOOOAAAALLLL
17:09 , Dom Smith
Ivan Schranz has scored for Slovakia! Who saw THIS coming?
Terrible error from Doku, who gives the ball away in a terrible area.
Kucka’s ball is saved and it arrives at the feet of Schranz. Tight angle. Goal.
Belgium 0-0 Slovakia | 5'
17:07 , Dom Smith
Error from Slovakia leads to another half-chance for Lukaku.
The ball arrives with Trossard who rounds Dubravka, checks back, and seeks to chip Dubravka with a pass into Lukaku.
The goalkeeper reaches up and gathers, leaving Lukaku apoplectic, but another let-off!
Belgium 0-0 Slovakia | 3'
17:04 , Dom Smith
Dokue with a lungbusting run down the right, finds De Bruyne, who finds Lukaku.
The striker takes it first time but is denied by an excellent stop from Dubravka. Fast start by the Belgian Red Devils!
Belgium 0-0 Slovakia | 1'
17:01 , Dom Smith
We're underway in Frankfurt as Belgium and Slovakia get their Euro 2024 campaigns up and running!
National anthems
16:56 , Dom Smith
Both country’s national anthems play out at the Waldstadion, starting with Slovakia.
Kick-off fast approaching!
16:49 , Dom Smith
Just under 15 minutes until kick-off now, with Slovakia getting some last-minute shooting practise in at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt.
Slovakia warming up before kick-off (AFP via Getty Images)
Time for change between the sticks
16:37 , Dom Smith
This will be Belgium’s first major tournament match without Thibaut Courtois in goal since Geert De Vlieger started between the sticks in their 2002 World Cup match against Brazil.
Courtois has been a mainstay for them in recent years but is not in the squad after a falling out with manager Tedesco in 2023, when he stormed out of the Belgian camp after a disagreement over the role of captaincy.
Time for Belgian Red Devils to step up
16:26 , Dom Smith
While the retirements of the likes of Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld and Dries Mertens suggest the Golden Generation is now over, plenty of Belgium’s biggest stars remain.
That includes Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard and, of course, Kevin De Bruyne.
Since failing to reach Euro 2012, they had made at least the quarter-finals of every major tournament until a group-stage exit from Qatar 2022.
They headed into Euro 2020 as the world’s top-ranked nation but still failed to win the tournament.
It feels time to step up. They are yet to win a major tournament still.
Slovakian manager would be happy with a draw
16:20 , Dom Smith
Slovakia are the fourth-lowest-ranked nation in the competition, and manager Francesco Calzona has said he would be “delighted” with a draw against Belgium.
“We know we are by no means favourites for the match”, said Calzona.
“I hope the team plays beyond themselves and get the utmost in terms of result. What matters is not losing.
“Belgium are good in transition and on the counter-attack, but we have our own way of playing. When you press well it can be an advantage, but if you don’t then you leave more space.”
Calzona is a multitasker, having doubled up as Napoli’s interim manager in the second half of the 2023-24 Serie A season. Bizarre!
De Bruyne feeling confident
16:09 , Dom Smith
Kevin de Bruyne says Belgium are ready to produce their best at Euro 2024.
The Red Devils were knocked out of Euro 2020 by eventual champions Italy before a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, which spelt the end of Roberto Martinez’s tenure.
(Getty Images)
Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne said: “I feel the team is ready and has a lot of energy to do something good.
“Since my return from injury in January I think overall it's been good. I've played most of the games and at a good level in my view.
“So I feel good now, hoping to help Belgium do well in this tournament.”
Slovakia starting lineup
15:58 , Dom Smith
Slovakia (4-3-3): Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Subs: Rodak, Ravas, Obert, Rigo, Gyomber, Suslov, Tupta, Benes, Hrosovsky, De Marco, Strelec, Duris, Bero, Sauer, Kosa
Belgium starting lineup
15:53 , Dom Smith
Belgium (4-2-2-2): Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Carrasco; Onana, Mangala; De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku, Trossard
Subs: Kaminski, Sels, Theate, Vertonghen, Witsel, Tielemans, Lukebakio, Vranckx, De Ketelaere, Bakayoko, Openda, Vermeeren, De Cuyper
Belgium hoping for success as they begin a new chapter
15:40 , Dom Smith
Less is expected of Belgium now many of their Golden Generation have retired, but Kevin De Bruyne and Co will be hoping that allows them to fly under the radar.
Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld and Dries Mertens all hung up their boots after a humiliating group-stage exit at Qatar 2022, which spelt the end of Roberto Martinez's six-year tenure.
Belgium plan to turn over a new leaf under new manager Domenico Tedesco.
Read the full piece here
Dressed to impress
15:29 , Dom Smith
Belgian fans will be expected to bring the noise and the colour at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt this evening.
Their side have kept clean-sheets in five of their last six games and are expected to open with a victory over Slovakia. Can these smartly dressed fans buoy them on?
Belgian fans: suited and booted (BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Belgium vs Slovakia latest odds
15:21 , Dom Smith
Belgium to win: 1/2
Draw: 7/2
Slovakia to win: 7/1
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
Slovakia latest team news
15:12 , Dom Smith
Slovakia boast a strong spine including Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, Paris St-Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar and Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka.
They have no immediate injury concerns ahead of the game.
Belgium latest team news
15:02 , Dom Smith
Thibaut Courtois may have recovered from a serious knee injury to star for Real Madrid in the Champions League Final but fell out with Belgium national team chiefs last year, due to an argument over the captaincy. Koen Casteels will likely start in goal, with Courtois not selected.
Thomas Meunier is a doubt, with Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate ruled out in defence.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
14:56 , Dom Smith
Only the fourth-ever meeting between Belgium and Slovakia this afternoon:
Belgium wins: 1
Draws: 2
Slovakia wins: 0
Belgium vs Slovakia prediction
14:49 , Dom Smith
Belgium have sometimes flattered to deceive in big tournaments but it would be a surprise not to see them win their opener here, against the fourth-lowest-ranked side in the competition.
Slovakia will put up a fight, but it could prove a difficult afternoon for them.
Standard Sport prediction: Belgium to win, 2-1.
Where to watch Belgium vs Slovakia
14:40 , Dom Smith
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast on ITV 1. Coverage starts at 4.15pm.
Live stream: The ITVX app and website will show a free live stream online.
Live blog: Follow all the action here, with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Welcome
14:32 , Alex Young
Good afternoon and welcome to the Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Euro 2024 clash between Belgium and Slovakia.
The Red Devils will be confident of making relatively easy work of a Group E that also includes Romania and Ukraine, who are currently fighting it out in Munich.
Belgium’s Golden Generation has largely been and gone, apart from the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, but the new, younger crop will still have designs on a deep run.
Kick-off in Frankfurt is at 5pm BST. Stick with us.
(Belga/AFP via Getty Images)