By Seyi Babalola
Slovakia provided the first major upset of Euro 2024, scoring early and defending fiercely to defeat Belgium 1-0 in Group E on Monday.
Ivan Schranz capitalized on a terrible defensive blunder to put Slovakia ahead in the seventh minute and held off Belgium with growing urgency to earn a surprise victory at the Frankfurt Arena.
Belgium’s leading scorer, Romelu Lukaku had the ball in the net twice but was disallowed by VAR, first for offside in the 56th minute and then minutes later when Lois Openda was found to have handball in the build-up before the striker swept the ball into the net.
Slovakia joined Romania at the top of the group rankings after defeating Ukraine 3-0 on Monday.