Ivan Schranz’s purpose within the seventh minute was sufficient for Slovakia to tug off the upset of the event to this point.
Slovakia triggered the primary main shock on the 2024 European Soccer Championship when Ivan Schranz powered the underdogs to a 1-0 victory in opposition to Belgium.
Francesco Calzona’s workforce is 45 locations under Belgium, which occupies third place within the FIFA world rankings.
However they made enjoyable of the supposed high quality hole between the groups with a courageous efficiency in Frankfurt, Germany, on Monday.
Calzona, who was additionally Napoli’s caretaker supervisor within the second half of final season, admitted he can be “delighted” with a draw.
The Italian achieved greater than he may have dreamed of when Schranz left Belgium reeling within the seventh minute after ending their nine-match worldwide goalless drought.
Key striker Romelu Lukaku wasted a variety of possibilities for Belgium and VAR controversially overturned the late equalizer within the 86th minute after a handball from teammate Lois Openda within the build-up.
Slovakia’s surprising victory blew Group E vast open, simply hours after Romania beat Ukraine 3-0 in Monday’s different match in that group.
It was a bitter loss for Belgium, who’re at risk of as soon as once more failing to meet their potential in a serious event.
Belgium’s golden technology has misplaced a lot of its luster since being eradicated from the 2022 World Cup within the group stage.
The Pink Devils fell within the quarter-finals within the final two editions of the European Championship, making a third-place end on the 2018 World Cup the very best mark for a once-acclaimed proficient however underperforming workforce. as a possible dynasty.