Belgium quickly recover possession, before Lukaku plays him into an opportunity with an exquisite pass but his attempt at flicked finish goes wide. Slovakia make a change, replacing Duda with Obert as their starting striker looks dazed and exhausted.
Domenico Tedesco’s new-look Belgium side entered this tournament with modest expectations after their group-stage exits at both previous Euros. But, they should comfortably make it past this tense opening game against Slovakia. In this article, we will discuss the main points of Belgium National Football Team vs Slovakia National Football Team Lineups.
Koen Casteels
Koen Casteels has taken over as the new first choice goalkeeper of Belgium following Thibaut Courtois’ departure, and Domenico Tedesco believes he is one of the greatest goalies worldwide.
Casteels was outstanding in Belgium’s second game against Romania, making several key saves and playing an instrumental part in Romelu Lukaku’s disallowed goal by providing him with an exquisite through ball.
He is one of the most experienced members of Belgium’s squad and his 13 years in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen (on loan) and VfL Wolfsburg will certainly serve him well as he looks to break free from Courtois’ shadow.
Casteels has much to prove after an underwhelming start to this tournament. He remains an important piece for Belgium and could prove decisive against Slovakia on Wednesday. As a veteran keeper from Genk with plenty of experience under his belt, he provides reliable protection in goal and also poses as an effective presence inside the box while using both feet to play the ball with precision.
Wout Faes
Faes is known for his strong body but quick read of the game, with an ability to anticipate interceptions and take risks – evidenced by him intercepting this pass from a striker.
Young centre-back Marcus Fraser made an immediate impact at Leicester and has already earned himself a Belgium cap. His commanding presence could prove crucial to this Belgian squad.
He is an effective leader and could serve as the spark that helps revive Belgium after their disappointing showing at 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Domenico Tedesco will be keen to demonstrate their capabilities after suffering through an uninspiring campaign in the group stages. If they can avoid repeating that performance, they could have an increased chance of progressing to the last 16. This game is scheduled to air live in the US via FS1 while Fubo can provide streaming access.
Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana is an impressive young midfielder capable of creating plays. Quick to take the ball forward and use his vision to find open players behind, Onana excels both as a passer and as an aggressive defender – an essential asset to Belgium’s team.
Onana often moves forward and bursts through the opposition’s press to create plays into the box. His great physique allows him to easily hold off defenders by using his arms to brush them aside. Furthermore, Onana can make long dribbles towards the end line while challenging his opponents and forcing defenders to work hard at stopping him.
Amadou Onana was an unexpected addition to Belgium’s squad, but he’ll have his chance to shine against France on Monday. A versatile midfielder capable of holding his own among Europe’s finest, Amadou is essential for any team relying on midfield play.
Orel Mangala
Orel Mangala is part of an exciting new wave of Belgian talent who are making waves internationally. His impressive play and commitment to better himself both on and off the pitch have been major contributors to his success.
Though ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s clash against Chelsea after picking up an injury over the break, midfielder Jon Otsemo should return for their next match against Liverpool. Most likely partnering Danilo at center-back will see Jon make another impressive defensive midfield display alongside them.
Nottingham Forest are blessed with players like Adam Drury who are always searching for the ball and regularly making runs into opposition penalty areas, creating space for his teammates and creating that extra half yard of space needed for scoring goals. He’s also very comfortable in possession, using his excellent dribbling ability to move upfield. These traits can prove invaluable for teams like Nottingham Forest that do not rely heavily on defense.
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku was unsurprisingly criticised by social media trolls following Belgium’s stunning Euro 2024 defeat against Slovakia, but Manchester City striker Romelu Lukaku showed no ill effects as he doubled their advantage and scored again! Lukaku hadn’t scored in six national team matches but made one of the plays of the night by beating three men and lashing home Zeno Debast’s cross from left.
But his goal was later disallowed by VAR due to an offside call being disallowed and due to poor touch on another good opportunity that Dubravka made an easy save with. Lois Openda from RB Leipzig could potentially replace Lukaku moving forward as she made another mesmerising run down the left wing before coming close once more with another fantastic attempt on goal.
Everton duo Amadou Onana and Orel Mangala look set to form a defensive pairing alongside Wout Faes in Belgium’s midfield, while Leandro Trossard from Arsenal will join them from right wing. Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate are injury concerns with Maxim De Cuyper expected to fill in as centre back.
Jeremy Doku
Jeremy Doku may not be your classic right-winger, but he still makes plays. His skill lies in creating one-on-one situations with opposing fullbacks and dropping deep to influence build-up from out wide.
At Anderlecht, Doku and other coaches worked to position him so as to maximize his speed and dribbling ability, capitalising on both. They also assisted with decision-making around the area (shooting with his right foot when cutting in from left or wider positions for example), as well as learning how to run behind defenders rather than staying on the touchline.
Doku could play an instrumental role for Belgium at this summer’s European Championship tournament in Germany. His Red Devil teammates include Romelu Lukaku and Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard; with them joining up, Belgium start as clear favourites to reach the quarter-finals – yet Slovakia pose an unlikely threat in Group E; although Doku and his fellow Red Devils will remain wary of what await them against Slovakia’s Black Sea side despite ranking third globally.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne stands out as the undisputed star of this Belgian team and shows all of the hallmarks of an international superstar. His work ethic is outstanding and his focus is entirely on improving his game; moreover, Kevin exudes confidence and doesn’t allow anyone or anything stand in his way.
De Bruyne is an inspirational creative force and knows exactly how to make plays that will damage opponents. He can flick passes over the top or dribble past his wingers with ease, or shoot with precision from long range. Furthermore, De Bruyne’s ability to adapt to various roles speaks to both intelligence and tactical versatility.
De Bruyne first made waves as a 17-year-old at KRC Genk, often showing much older players tactical advantages they were missing. Together with Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku he formed one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking quartets – it will require De Bruyne and Lukaku being on top form to ensure Belgium goes all the way in this tournament.
Leandro Trossard
Belgium prevailed when these two sides met at a major tournament last time around, winning by 1-0 in Group E matches that also featured Ukraine and Romania drawing. Belgium already knew second place was theirs and enjoyed an advantage against their counterparts.
The Red Devils may not have impressed against Slovakia in their opening match, but they showed their talent by winning 2-0 against Romania. These Red Devils possess all of the attributes to do well at this tournament.
Leandro Trossard has made an immediate impression at Arsenal this season. At 21-years-old he can adapt easily to different roles within the forward line while providing his team with an attacking outlet.
Trossard is a potent striker capable of operating either centrally or on the left wing, scoring 12 times during his first full season at Arsenal and looking forward to taking part in Euro 2024.
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