Slovakia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history with their victory over Belgium – but it could have been prevented.
Ranked third in the world, Belgium were favourites to top Group E before kick-off but now find themselves playing catch-up after a wasteful performance in Frankfurt and a “scandalous” refereeing decision.
Chances came and went and Romelu Lukaku squandered several before having two second-half goals ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The first of which he was clearly offside, but the second was a more controversial decision with less than three minutes of normal time remaining.
Referee Halil Umut Meler was sent to the pitchside monitor before disallowing the goal for handball in the build-up by Lois Openda.
The Belgium substitute was in full motion as he fell into the ball while tussling with Slovakia defender Denis Vavro, with his arms seemingly in a natural position.
“That is scandalous. It is ridiculous, it really is,” former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live as Belgium’s celebrations were quickly squashed.
“Openda doesn’t intentionally push the ball into his path. That is harsh. In the Premier League, that goal would stand.”
Nonetheless, Belgium came away with nothing after Ivan Schranz capitalised on a loose pass by Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku in the first half to give Slovakia a hard-earned 1-0 win.
‘We had many chances – and big ones’
Doku’s mistake and Lukaku’s wastefulness proved costly as Belgium lost for the first time in 15 matches under manager Domenico Tedesco.
They have failed to score from each of their past 47 shots in major tournaments, and missed four big chances in a Euros game for the first time since 1980.
“I don’t think anyone saw this result coming with the talent and quality that Belgium have in their squad,” added Sutton.
“They had chances. This is going to be one of Slovakia’s most famous victories.”
It certainly is as Slovakia, ranked 48th in the world, revelled in a first win against one of the world’s top three.
When the full-time whistle went in Frankfurt, Slovakia’s substitutes and staff sprinted on to the pitch to celebrate, standing arm-in-arm in front of their supporters, bouncing and chanting.
“We gave it our heart. We didn’t win it by being better, but by being happier,” Slovakia defender David Hancko said.
But for Belgium boss Tedesco, it was an unfamiliar feeling of defeat as he faced questions about how his side did not convert one of the 16 chances they had.
