After an easy qualifying campaign and a string of undefeated games, the Red Devils of Belgium are stepping into their first football match at Euro 2024 against Slovakia in Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park.
The match on Monday evening will be crucial in setting the tone for their following group matches. Belgium’s coach, Domenico Tedesco, summed up the anticipation at a Sunday press conference, saying: "I’m curious to see the result. Playing Euro matches is a completely different experience."
While Belgium is not seen as a tournament favourite, players like Kevin De Bruyne make them silent underdogs. The strengths of this reconfigured team are challenging to measure, with some seeing potential in them.
Red Devils' supporters pictured in the stands game between Belgian national soccer team Red Devils and Slovakia, Monday 17 June 2024. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
It’s agreed that no team at the Euro would relish playing against these unpredictable Red Devils. Their speed on the wings, captain Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity and striker Romelu Lukaku’s lethality could hurt any team.
However, their defence remains their weak spot, despite good news from Frankfurt on Sunday evening: both Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate are on the team against Slovakia, with Axel Witsel possibly featuring, and Thomas Meunier recuperating in Belgium to join the group post Romania match.
Defence appears to be a four-man job against Slovakia in what is likely to be a tight opening match for the Red Devils. Maxim De Cuyper, Wout Faes, Zeno Debast, and Timothy Castagne form a new combination, having never played together before.
Among them, only Castagne has tournament experience. Onana and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne are midfield certainties, with Orel Mangala appearing to edge out Youri Tielemans. The attack’s goals depend on Lukaku.
Frankurt stadium where the Red Devils will face Slovakia on Monday 17 June 2024. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
Slovakia operates a 4-3-3 offensive with high pressing and a solid defence, including mid-fielder Stanislav Lobotka and the central duo of David Hancko and captain Milan Skriniar. Slovakia’s coach, Francesco Calzona, hopes not to lose against the Belgians.
Making their third consecutive Euro appearance, Slovakia is relatively unknown in Belgium. Their best achievements were reaching the last 16 in the 2016 edition in France and their only World Cup participation 13 years ago in South Africa. Slovakia qualified directly for the Euro thanks to a second-place finish in Group J, behind Portugal.
In March, they lost against Austria (0-2) but drew with Norway (1-1). The preparation for the Euro culminated in two victories (4-0), against San Marino and a declining Wales following Gareth Bale’s departure.
