Euro 1980 runners-up Belgium get their campaign in Germany underway against Slovakia. Held at the home of Eintracht Frankfurt, Domenico Tedesco’s team has the quality to go deep into the tournament. Slovakia are not there to make up the numbers. As such, a competitive fixture is predicted. Ahead of kick-off, we look at the two nations, their betting odds and our expert tip.
Belgium vs Slovakia: Initial Situation
Belgium’s match against Slovakia could significantly impact the final standings in Group E. Belgium is expected to comfortably qualify for the Round of 16 despite their “golden generation” breaking over recent years. Slovakia takes part in the finals for the third consecutive tournament. They will be keen to improve their performance at Euro 2020, where they were eliminated at the group stage.
Belgium Stats & Form
Belgium is one of six nations to qualify for Euro 2024 unbeaten. Six wins and two draws in Group F were impressive. They scored 22 goals and conceded just four, recording three 5-0 wins along the way. Romelu Lukaku scored 14 goals during the campaign, the most in the competition.
Italian Domenico Tedesco took charge in 2023 and still has plenty of talent to choose from. Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are among their star names. In friendly matches in March, the Red Devils drew with Ireland and England. Belgium has been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in the last two European Championships.
Slovakia Stats & Form
Portugal was the only country to beat Slovakia during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Seven wins from 10 was enough to see Francesco Calzona reach the finals. Their success was built on their defensive capabilities. The likes of Milan Skriniar and David Hancko helped the team concede just eight goals.
However, Slovakia’s lack of a recognised striker could be an issue in Germany. 33-year-old Robert Mak scored twice during qualifying and will likely start against Belgium. It could be a busy night for Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak. Slovakia was part of the former Czechoslovakia that won the competition in 1976.
Belgium vs Slovakia: Head to Head
Belgium and Slovakia have not met since 2013. Belgium ran out 2-1 winners in a friendly international that day. The two previous meetings between the two nations, in 2002 and 2006, ended in 1-1 draws. There is little to draw from the head-to-head record. We looked at recent form and playing squads when making our betting predictions.
Belgium vs Slovakia Odds
You can back Belgium to win their opening match at Euro 2024 at best odds of ½. Given their record during qualifying, this market will appeal to many fans. A surprise Slovakia win is available at 6/1. Finally, a draw is priced at 7/2.
Betting tip and prediction: Belgium vs Slovakia (17/06/2024)
Belgium’s quality in the final third means that we suggest betting on a goal being scored in each half against Slovakia. The exact number of goals is not important in this case. Odds of 7/10 from William Hill make this bet even more attractive. Which team scores the goals is also irrelevant.