In the gripping encounter of Euro 2024, Belgium is set to face Slovakia in their opening match on June 17th at 19:00. The fourth day of the first round in the group stage will see these two teams clash at Frankfurt Arena, promising an exciting duel.

Belgium's Road to Glory

Belgium has been a formidable team in recent European Championships, reaching the quarter-finals in their last two appearances. Under the leadership of Domenico Tedesco, they topped their qualifying group, surpassing Austria by a single point and leaving Sweden trailing by ten.

Tedesco reflected on their preparation:

"I'm thrilled to finally start playing. We worked hard, and the last few weeks have been very positive. Slovakia is aggressive and presses high. We will see our true level during the tournament."

Slovakia's Ambitious Challenge

For Slovakia, their journey to Euro 2024 has been nothing short of impressive. Finishing second in their qualifying group behind Portugal, they demonstrated resilience and skill. Francesco Calzona emphasized the importance of their strategy:

"Our team is in good shape. We trained well and fully recovered. Belgium has few weaknesses, but we will give our all to achieve a positive result."

Key Players to Watch

The match will feature veterans from their last encounter in 2013, including Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Slovakia's Juraj Kucka. With both teams showcasing strong line-ups, the game promises intense competition and high stakes.

Tactical Analysis

Belgium will rely on their star-studded squad and solid defense, featuring players like Axel Witsel and Jan Vertonghen. Meanwhile, Slovakia's high pressing and vertical play, led by Stanislav Lobotka, will test Belgium's counter-attacking prowess.

Both teams had successful warm-up matches, with Belgium defeating Montenegro and Luxembourg, while Slovakia crushed San Marino and Wales.

Predictions and Outlook

Analysts predict a Belgian victory, but Slovakia's tenacity might surprise many. The outcome of this encounter could set the tone for the rest of Group E, where Romania and Ukraine also vie for a spot in the knockout stages.

Expect a thrilling match as both teams aim to make their mark in the tournament.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova