Euro 2024: Slovakia Shocks Belgium; Romania's Fairytale Start and France Triumph Over Austria

Slovakia Stuns Belgium with Unexpected Victory in Euro 2024, Romania Continues Fairytale Start, and France Triumphs Over Austria in Dominant Display!

Slovakia Shocks Belgium with Famous 1-0 Win

EURO 2024 witnessed its first major upset as Slovakia stunned Belgium with a memorable 1-0 win in Frankfurt. Belgium nearly took the lead within the first two minutes. Romelu Lukaku, after receiving a pass from Jérémy Doku, failed to capitalize on the opportunity, shooting directly at Martin Dúbravka.

Slovakia seized the lead just seven minutes into the game. After Doku lost possession in a dangerous area, Ivan Schranz reacted quickly to a rebound from Koen Casteels’ save, volleying the ball into the net.

Belgium’s defense struggled, nearly conceding again when Dúbravka made a risky pass to Leandro Trossard. Fortunately for Slovakia, Trossard’s shot went over the bar. Lukaku missed another promising chance before halftime, his poor touch letting him down.

The second half saw Belgium being denied by the VAR when Lukaku’s goal was ruled offside. Johan Bakayoko’s attempt was then spectacularly cleared off the line by Dávid Hancko. In a late drama, another Lukaku goal was disallowed due to a handball in the buildup by Bakayoko. Slovakia held their ground, marking this win as their most significant since defeating Italy in the 2010 World Cup.

Key Highlights Slovakia vs Belgium

Slovakia stuns Belgium with a 1-0 victory.
Early miss by Romelu Lukaku from close range.
Ivan Schranz scores for Slovakia after Doku’s error.
VAR disallows Lukaku’s second-half goal for offside.
Dávid Hancko clears Bakayoko’s shot off the line.
Another Lukaku goal was disallowed for handball by Bakayoko in the build-up.

Romania Thrashes Ukraine in Euro 2024 Group E Opener

Romania delivered a standout performance in their Group E opener, beating Ukraine 3-0 in Munich. Initially, it was Ukraine who appeared threatening with Mykhailo Mudryk and Dovbyk looking sharp.

Despite dominating possession early on, Ukraine couldn’t convert their control into scoring opportunities. This inefficiency cost them dearly when Nicolae Stanciu netted a spectacular goal at the 30-minute mark, arguably the best of the tournament so far.

Romania almost doubled their lead soon after, with Dennis Man’s deflected shot narrowly missing the far post. From the ensuing corner, Romania hit the crossbar, with Coman’s clever delivery nearly catching out Ukraine’s keeper Lunin.

The second half saw Romania continue to dominate the final third. Coman came close once more, narrowly missing the target. Romania’s persistence paid off when Razvan Marin’s first-time shot slipped under Lunin’s arms, making it 2-0 just before the hour.

Romania sealed their emphatic victory with a third goal from Denis Drǎguş, who tapped in from close range. Ukraine’s attempts to claw back a goal were fruitless, highlighted by Mudryk’s shot flying over the bar from close range.

Key Highlights Romania vs Ukraine

Romania triumphs 3-0 over Ukraine in Group E opener.
Nicolae Stanciu scores a spectacular opener.
Dennis Man’s deflected shot nearly adds a second.
Romania hits the crossbar from a corner.
Razvan Marin scores Romania’s second.
Denis Drǎguş taps in the third goal.
Ukraine’s Mudryk misses close-range effort.

France Kicks Off EURO 2024 with Narrow Win Against Austria

France started their EURO 2024 campaign on a strong note with a 1-0 victory over Austria. The match saw Kylian Mbappé making an early impact, forcing a save from Austrian goalkeeper Patrick Pentz, who managed to tip his shot into the side netting.

Austria, under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick, also came close to scoring. Mike Maignan, France’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save, denying Christoph Baumgartner from close range.

The breakthrough for France came in an unexpected fashion. Maximilian Wöber inadvertently headed Mbappé’s cross into his own net, giving Les Bleus the lead. Despite this, Mbappé missed a crucial chance to double the lead, sending his shot wide midway through the second half.

The game took a dramatic turn when Mbappé, later identified as a Real Madrid star, had to leave the pitch with a broken nose. France, however, held on to secure their victory and claim second spot in Group D, trailing behind the Netherlands.

Key Highlights France vs Austria

France wins 1-0 against Austria in EURO 2024 opener.
Kylian Mbappé creates early chance, forcing save from Patrick Pentz.
Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner denied by Mike Maignan.
Maximilian Wöber scores own goal off Mbappé’s cross.
Mbappé exits with a broken nose; France secures second spot in Group D.

The opening matches of EURO 2024 have already delivered thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes. France’s narrow victory over Austria, Slovakia’s stunning upset against Belgium, and Romania’s commanding win against Ukraine set an exciting tone for the tournament. As the competition progresses, teams and fans alike can anticipate more surprises and standout performances on Europe’s grand stage.