Belgium begin their Euro 2024 journey against Slovakia in Group E at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. As always, the central question for the Red Devils at a major tournament is their ability to turn talent into trophies.
Despite having once reached the zenith of the FIFA Rankings, Belgium has yet to secure a World Cup or continental title – an ignominious distinction for any team that has held the top spot. Manager Domenico Tedesco will aim to change this narrative in Germany, where Belgium are one of the pre-tournament favourites despite being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the last two European Championships.
Facing Slovakia, one of the weakest teams at Euro 2024, in their opening game offers Belgium an ideal opportunity to find their rhythm and build momentum. The limited quality of the Slovak squad is highlighted by Thomas Suslov who plays for Genoa in Serie A, being their sole attacking player in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Slovakia also ranked 24th in expected goals allowed during the qualifiers, worse than Romania (17th) and Ukraine (19th).
Slovakia’s porous defence will be sweet music to the ears of a Belgium side in free-scoring form during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with 22 goals in eight games.
Romelu Lukaku: Key Player to Watch
Striker Romelu Lukaku was particularly outstanding in qualifying, leading all players with 14 goals, averaging a goal every 39 minutes, and converting nearly half of his 29 shots.
Lukaku comes into this match in excellent form, having bagged a brace in Belgium’s last friendly and scoring 13 goals in his last 10 national team appearances. Belgium’s record scorer is among the favourites for the tournament’s Golden Boot, based on his international scoring record and facing pliable opponents like Slovakia in the group stage. Lukaku looks nailed on to score against one of the weakest defences in the tournament and is worth a bet to open the scoring at 3.50 odds on 18bet.
For many in Belgium’s “Golden Generation”, including Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, Euro 2024 represents a final chance to achieve international glory as they near the end of their careers. They will be eager to start strongly against Slovakia, one of the weakest teams in the tournament.
Betting Tip: Belgium to win & Over 1.5 Goals (Combo Bet)
17/06 17:00 Belgium – Slovakia Belgium to win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.75 (18bet)
Considering the gulf in class, this should be a comfortable victory for the Red Devils with goals to spare.
Back Belgium to win and Over 1.5 Goals in the match at 1.75 odds on 18bet.
Belgium - Slovakia Belgium to win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.75
New to 18bet? Sign up today and get a 100% Welcome Bonus up to 100€/$/£ (or Naira equivalent) to start betting. Just make sure you use the WB100 bonus code at sign-up!
100% Welcome Bonus Up To €100Meanwhile, check out the top Euro 2024 bonuses and betting offers from Nigeria’s best betting sites for your Euros betting action.