Belgium vs Slovakia Prediction (11pm June 17): Will the "Red Devils" show their strength?

In the past 10 years, the Belgian team with its excellent players has always been considered a top candidate for the championship of major tournaments. However, the highest achievement of the "Red Devils" is only third place at the 2014 World Cup.

The Belgian team was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, Euro 2016 and Euro 2020. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Belgium was eliminated in the group stage even though they were in a not-so-strong group with Croatia, Canada and Morocco.

De Bruyne is the brightest star of the Belgian team at Euro 2024 (Photo: UEFA).

The disappointment of the Belgian team was reflected in the statement of midfielder Kevin Bruyne when the Man City player admitted that his team was too old to win a major tournament. The absence of many big stars such as Courtois and Eden Hazard has made Belgium skeptical about their ambitions at Euro 2024.

However, coach Domenico Tedesco still brought to Germany a quality squad with midfield mainstay De Bruyne and striker Lukaku. Many young stars like Trossard or Doku promise to bring a new breeze to the "Red Devils".

Slovakia are rated lower than Belgium, but they are an experienced team and have fought in the last two Euros. Coach Francesco Calzona's team also played a successful Euro 2024 qualifier when they won 22 points after 10 matches in the group with Portugal.

Slovakia (blue) is not easy to defeat in the Euro playground (Photo: UEFA).

Ahead of Euro 2024, Slovakia has had perfect preparation when defeating San Marino and Wales 4-0 in friendly matches. In Group E of Euro 2024, Slovakia is rated higher than the remaining two teams Romania and Ukraine, so the match with Belgium is an opportunity for them to see their true strength.

As the favorites, Belgium will likely choose an attacking style of play with the trio of Doku, Trossard, and De Bruyne behind striker Lukaku. Veteran player Witsel will play in the center of defense.

On the Slovakian side, the task of scoring goals was given to the attacking trio Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin. In addition, midfielders Kucka, Lobotka, Duda all have speed, technique and are capable of causing danger to the Belgian defense.

Rated higher, the Belgian team is likely to win all 3 points in Frankfurt. However, if they cannot improve their defense, the "Red Devils" will have to pay the price because Slovakia is very strong when playing defensive counter-attacks.

Expected lineup

Belgium: Casteels; Faes, Witsel, De Cuyper; Castagne, Mangala, Onana, Doku; Trossard, De Bruyne; Lukaku

Slovakia: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-bi-slovakia-23h-ngay-176-quy-do-pho-dien-suc-manh-20240616225346003.htm