EURO 2024
Peter Pekarík helps dogged Slovakia shock Belgium
Hertha Berlin's Peter Pekarík played the full 90 minutes as Slovakia stunned Belgium 1-0 in UEFA Euro 2024 Group E.
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
Goals: 0-1 Schranz 7' (assist: Kucka)
Former Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne set up a golden opportunity early on, only for Martin Dubravka to deny Romelu Lukaku at close quarters. The Slovakia goalkeeper stopped Lukaku once more, before the Group E underdogs forged ahead. Koen Casteels - whose nine-year stint in the Bundesliga came to an end this past season - saved from Juraj Kucka after a mistake in the Belgium defence, but was powerless to prevent Ivan Schranz from burying the rebound. Pekarík was everywhere for Slovakia, denying Leandro Trossard at one end and teeing up Róbert Boženík for a shot that was blocked at the other. Kucka kept Casteels on his toes, but Beligum created the better chances as Lukaku had a goal ruled out for offside upon VAR review, and substitute Johan Bakayoko saw an effort cleared off the line. Loïs Openda - who hit 24 Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig in 2023/24 - was the architect for another disallowed Lukaku goal, this one for handball in the build-up, on a frustrating evening for Domenico Tedesco's charges.