Belgium vs Slovakia Prediction Euro 2024

⚽ Football EURO 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 17 June 2024 - 17:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Deutsche Bank Park (Frankfurt)

After co-hosting in 2000, Belgium had to wait 16 years before returning to the European Championship, though this is now their third straight finals appearance with the fabled "Golden Generation" reaching the quarter-finals at the last two editions. However, a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup proved a wake-up call, with a much younger squad selected by new manager Domenico Tedesco for his first major tournament in charge.

Perhaps freed from the burden of high expectations, this new-look Belgian side have quickly adapted under Tedesco, going 14 games unbeaten (W10, D4) since he took over in February 2023. Only England have scored against them in the last six matches, a 2-2 Wembley draw in March.

Slovakia are also at their third consecutive Euros after debuting as an independent nation in 2016. They won their 2020 opener against Poland but still went out in the groups, costing manager Štefan Tarkovič his job. Replacement Francesco Calzona helped them enjoy an impressive qualifying campaign containing just two defeats, both against Portugal (W7, D1).

Calzona's side head to the finals in good form too, unbeaten in three warm-up games (W2, D1) including dominant 4-0 wins over San Marino and Wales. This gives them hope of a first-ever victory over Belgium after two previous draws and a 2-1 2013 defeat.

Where to watch?

📺Belgium vs Slovakia Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Romelu Lukaku recently scored his 84th & 85th Belgium goals to move second behind only Cristiano Ronaldo among European men's international scorers. Trying to keep him out will be Martin Dúbravka, who has conceded just once in 4 previous H2Hs against Lukaku.

⚡Match Facts: Just 3 of Belgium's last 12 European Championship group games saw both teams score.

Belgium vs Slovakia Prediction and Betting Tips

💡 Belgium's quality and big tournament experience makes them strong favorites here, with a 2-0 or 2-1 victory looking most likely. For betting, simply backing them to win offers the safest option, potentially combined with under 3.5 goals given their defensive resolve. A small play on the 2-1 correct score could also provide value against a limited Slovak side.