Belgium Choke Again! VAR Denies Lukaku Brace as Slovaki Stuns Euro Favorites (Doku’s Disaster!)
Deja vu for Belgian Fans? Romelu Lukaku’s double heartbreak wasn’t enough to salvage a disastrous start for Belgium at Euro 2024. The Red Devils, notorious for underachievement in major tournaments, fell 1-0 to a determined Slovakia in Frankfurt.
Doku’s Dizzying Display Ends in Disaster: The early stages were a microcosm of Belgium’s night. Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku showcased his dazzling talent, weaving past challenges before setting up a golden opportunity squandered by teammates. But then, calamity struck! A sloppy giveaway from Doku under pressure gifted Slovakia the lead through Ivan Schranz.
Lukaku’s Lament: VAR the Villain? The frustration for Belgium only grew as Lukaku, their talismanic striker, saw two goals chalked off by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). One for offside, the other for a handball in the build-up (courtesy of substitute Lois Openda). Slovakia’s goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, also played a starring role, denying Lukaku with a key save early in the second half.
Ghosts of Tournaments Past Haunt Belgium: As the clock ticked down, a familiar feeling of despair settled over the Belgians. Their creative spark dwindled, De Bruyne resorted to dropping deep in a desperate search for control, and substitute Johan Bakayoko’s late effort was heroically cleared off the line.
Slovakia Celebrates, Belgium Contemplates Meltdown: The final whistle blew, sending Slovakia into jubilation and leaving Belgium contemplating another potential group stage exit. Was this another chapter in the Belgian story of unfulfilled potential, or can they bounce back in their upcoming matches? Only time will tell.
