Football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the Euro Cup 2024 showdown between Belgium and Slovakia. Scheduled for June 15, 2024, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to kick off their tournament with a victory. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the key stats, team performances, head-to-head records, and predictions for this exciting match.
Key Stats & Insights
- Belgium is currently on a 15-match unbeaten run.
- Slovakia secured seven wins out of 10 in their qualifying matches, with their only loss coming against Portugal.
- In the last 5 matches, Belgium has outperformed Slovakia.
Team Form and Performance
Belgium – Last 10 Competitive Games
Belgium has achieved 6 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws, with an average of 2.2 goals per game from 4.9 shots on target and 12.0 attempts. They hold 58.6% possession and win 7.4 corners per match. Defensively, they concede an average of 0.6 goals per game from 2.8 shots on target and 7.8 attempts, while allowing opponents 2.7 corners.
Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (14 goals), with Leandro Trossard and Dodi Lukebakio contributing 2 goals each. Jeremy Doku leads in assists with 4, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has kept 1 clean sheet.
Slovakia – Last 10 Competitive Games
Slovakia has recorded 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, averaging 1.7 goals per game from 3.8 shots on target and 10.6 attempts. They maintain 53.0% possession, earn 7.3 corners per match, and concede 0.8 goals per game from 7.9 attempts and 3.7 shots on target.
Top scorer: Lukas Haraslin (3 goals), followed by Juraj Kucka and Ondrej Duda (2 goals each). David Hancko has 3 assists, while goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has kept 2 clean sheets.
Head-to-Head Records
This will be the first competitive meeting between Belgium and Slovakia. They have previously faced each other in three friendly matches, with their most recent encounter in 2013 ending in a 2-1 victory for Belgium. In that match, Eden Hazard scored an early penalty, and after a late equalizer from Slovakia, Dries Mertens secured the win for Belgium.
Player Form and Availability
Belgium
Head Coach: Domenico Tedesco
Expected lineup:
- Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels, Matz Sels, Thomas Kaminski
- Defenders: Arthur Theate, Axel Witsel, Jan Vertonghen, Maxim De Cuyper, Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Zeno Debast
- Midfielders: Amadou Onana, Arthur Vermeeren, Aster Vranckx, Kevin De Bruyne, Orel Mangala, Youri Tielemans, Charles De Ketelaere
- Forwards: Dodi Lukebakio, Jeremy Doku, Johan Bakayoko, Leandro Trossard, Lois Openda, Romelu Lukaku, Yannick Carrasco
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Slovakia
Head Coach: Francesco Calzona
Expected lineup:
- Goalkeepers: Henrich Ravas, Marek Rodák, Martin Dubravka
- Defenders: Adam Obert, David Hancko, Denis Vavro, Milan Skriniar, Norbert Gyomber, Peter Pekarik, Sebastián Kósa, Vernon De Marco
- Midfielders: Juraj Kucka, László Bénes, Matus Bero, Ondrej Duda, Patrik Hrosovsky, Stanislav Lobotka, Tomas Rigo, Tomas Suslov
- Forwards: David Duris, David Strelec, Ivan Schranz, Leo Sauer, Lubomír Tupta, Lukas Haraslin, Róbert Bozeník
Formation: 4-3-3
Market Analysis (Odds)
Belgium is the clear favorite with a 68% chance of winning, reflected in their 1.48 odds. Slovakia, considered the underdog, is at 7.00. The odds for Over 2.5 Goals and Under 2.5 Goals are balanced, indicating a potentially high-scoring game. The Both Teams to Score market shows little difference between Yes and No.
Predictions
The Asian Handicap market suggests backing Belgium to win by two or more goals (-1.5 goals) is a strong bet, with odds of 2.30. Given Belgium’s impressive form and attacking strength, they are expected to secure a comfortable victory.
This detailed analysis covers team performances, key players, head-to-head records, and betting odds, providing fans and bettors with valuable insights for the Euro Cup 2024 match between Belgium and Slovakia.