Slovakia shocked Belgium with an unexpected win thanks to a goal by Ivan Schranz in Group E’s opening match, prompting fans inside the stadium to express their displeasure with this surprise result.
Koen Casteels will step in for Thibaut Courtois as Belgian goalkeeper, while Axel Witsel and Wout Faes will provide defensive leadership. Manchester City duo Jeremy Doku and Orel Mangala will join Leandro Trossard and record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku on the playing roster.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or top players of Belgium National Football Team vs Slovakia National Football Team Lineups.
Koen Casteels
Koen Casteels will start between the posts for Belgium against Slovakia. Thibaut Courtois was an unexpected omission due to recovering from knee surgery; Casteels will take his place. Belgium are likely to field a 3-5-2 formation with Amadou Onana and Orel Mangala likely serving as central defensive pairings; Manchester City duo Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne as well as Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard will all feature.
First half has been an even affair, with both sides exchanging possession early on and giving up possession too easily. Doku attempted to play in De Bruyne but his pass was cut out. Slovakia then gained back possession but failed to turn their advantage into goals.
Koen Casteels has been Belgium’s standout defender at Wolfsburg this season and in Euro 2024 qualifiers, particularly at Euro 2024 qualifiers. Now facing Slovakia he will aim to add another stellar performance when facing one of their tough tests this summer – Francesco Calzona hopes his team’s lack of big-name marquee players (Lukas Haraslin and Adam Kucka are threat up front, while Romelu Lukaku provides more conventional firepower up front).
Wout Faes
Wout Faes is a regular starter in Reims’ defence and one of the top center-backs in Belgium. At just 23 years old, Wout has made his mark in both league and Champions League competition – winning it last season and reaching group stage last time around respectively. Additionally, he is an experienced international player having represented Belgium senior side several times before.
Belgium national football team has been fortunate to benefit from two distinct waves of talent over recent decades. Goalkeepers Jean-Marie Pfaff and Michel Preud’homme won best custodian awards during the late ’80s and early ’90s while midfielders like Jan Ceulemans and Enzo Scifo gained FIFA recognition. Unfortunately by 1986 World Cup semi-finals many of these stars had retired leaving an inexperienced generation behind to lead its fortunes forward.
Domenico Tedesco’s squad may have come up short at recent major tournaments, yet is packed with talent and potential. Since taking charge in February, the Belgian coach has dramatically revamped his roster bringing in young stars like Everton’s Amadou Onana and Lyon’s Orel Mangala from Everton and Lyon respectively.
Onana and Mangala can play central midfield alongside Everton’s Kevin De Bruyne, who can fill either position. Furthermore, Jeremy Doku and Lois Openda from RB Leipzig provide fast wingers capable of stretching an opponent’s defense – meaning Belgium will have chances to create from both flanks as well as inside their box.
Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana is an outstanding central midfielder for Belgium who can play both on the left of a double pivot and more advanced positions within a diamond formation. A tough player who prefers playing without his head up at times and may at times appear rough around the edges; nevertheless, he is an effective captain for his national team who has already demonstrated incredible leadership ability at such a young age.
He possesses a solid body shape and moves beautifully without the ball, often making bursting runs into the box that break down opponent’s defense. Additionally, his understanding of space allows him to always scan over his shoulder when not possessing possession of the ball.
At Arsenal in the first half, Onana was forced off due to an apparent injury, dealing a significant blow for Belgian football as he has been playing very well recently. John McGinn will take his place for the rest of this match.
Belgium’s loss against Slovakia was one of the greatest shocks in 64 years, prompting their national team to begin an extended rebuilding period. Although their former glory may seem far away now, they still possess talented players within their squad and should manage to bounce back quickly from this setback.
Jeremy Doku
Jeremy Doku is an immensely talented winger who plays for both Manchester City and Rennes. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills and flair, as well as long range shooting capabilities. A natural leader on the pitch and full of energy Jeremy excels in passing, tackling, passing backspin and more!
Doku is an essential player on the Belgium national team and should become more prominent under new manager Domenico Tedesco. He possesses all of the potential needed to become one of their premier players; providing vital attacking options either left or right side.
He is extremely quick and agile, which makes it easy for him to take players on. Furthermore, he excels at reading the game and knowing when and how to change his pace; in addition to making great crosses – and is very dangerous in the box.
Doku has proven his versatility on the pitch and will be an asset in Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifiers squad. Doku should replace Jack Grealish or Rodri at right winger position in starting lineup; his direct playstyle offers an alternative to Grealish while giving Belgium more direct approach on offense and defence; in fact he may even play an advanced role than teammate Johan Bakayoko!
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku have made an immediate impact at Euro 2016, so much so that both are expected to start for Belgium against Slovakia in their opening match. These left-wingers provide Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne with support while providing defensive cover against Domenico Tedesco’s side.
Slovakian players Robert Bozenik and Juraj Kucka will work tirelessly to give their team the chance to avert an early deficit; their best chance will likely come through using counterattacking strategies – something they have done successfully in previous matches.
Substitute Johan Bakayoko nearly gave Belgium hope with an almost-clinching close-range shot, narrowly missing the post in his debut appearance since taking over Oumar Niasse in February – yet their first defeat under new manager Domenico Tedesco.
Romelu Lukaku had two goals ruled out due to video review during a frustrating first half for Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. A first-half strike was overturned for being marginally offside while Lois Openda committed a handball during its buildup, both causing delays.
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku will look to make an impressive start when Belgium take on Slovakia in their Euro 2024 opener against Slovakia on June 8. The Manchester City striker scored 14 goals during qualifying matches, so will likely pose a formidable threat for Belgium against Slovakia. After underperforming at previous tournaments, this time around under Domenico Tedesco Belgium have an excellent chance of reaching the last 16 and going beyond Portugal’s performance from 2016 at this same stage.
First half is relatively quiet with neither team creating much in terms of threat; Lukaku is unable to capitalise on Faes’ excellent cross for Belgium, leading Slovakia to win two corners before halftime ends.
Belgians press more aggressively in the second half and create the game’s opening chance when Romelu Lukaku attempts to score off of some good work by Jeremy Doku on the left, but his effort is ruled out after VAR confirmed there was handball by Lukasz Openda in its buildup.
With Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate both out injured, Fulham’s Timothy Castagne partnered by Wout Faes in central defence starts alongside Wout Faes. Maxim De Cuyper of Club Brugge and Sporting CP’s Zeno Debast are also part of the back four, while Manchester City midfielders Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku join Leandro Trossard and Amadou Onana to form an offensive midfield partnership in midfield.
Sports Team