Belgium and Slovakia square off in their opening match of Euro 2024 in Group E on Monday.
The Red Devils arrive at Euro 2024 heavy favourites to top a weak Group E, but head coach Domenico Tedesco must caution his players against overconfidence given the Red Devils' tendency to capitulate when it matters the most.
Following a first-round exit at 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Belgium are no longer classed among the leading contenders for major tournaments.
As far as Euros are concerned, they haven't even made it to the semi-finals of a European Championship since 1980, and were dumped out at the quarter-final stage in each of the last two editions, so it's high time that they roll up their sleeves and prove their credentials in Germany.
Slovakia, meanwhile, are making their third straight appearance at the European Championship finals. They finished second in their qualification group behind table-topping Portugal.
Historically speaking, the Slovaks have fared reasonably well despite their evident lack of experience. They reached the Round of 16 in 2016 before bowing out to Germany.
Last time out at Euro 2020, they opened the group with a 2-1 win over Poland but lost their final two matches, finishing third and missing out on the knockout stages on goal difference among the best third-placed sides.
MORE: Euro 2024 best bets and tips today
Belgium vs. Slovakia live stream, TV channel
- TV channel: Sony Ten 2, 3
- Streaming: JioTV, Sony LIV
India: Euro 2024 matches are available to stream on JioTV and Sony LIV. Sony Ten 2 and 3 will be showing the match on TV.
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What time is Belgium vs. Slovakia kickoff?
This Euro 2024 match kicks off on June 17 at 6:00 p.m. local time in Frankfurt. Here's how that time translates to India:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| India | Mon, Jun. 17 | 9:30 p.m. IST |
Belgium vs. Slovakia lineups
Golden Generation mainstays Eden Hazard and Toby Alderweireld are no longer involved in the Belgium national team setup, while Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was not included in the 26-man Euro 2024 squad due to injury. .
The country's all-time leading goalscorer, Romelu Lukaku leads the line, backed up by Manchester City duo Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard.
Belgium starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Casteels (GK) — Castagen, Faes, Zebast, Carrasco — Mangala, Onana — Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard — Lukaku.
Slovakia centre-back Denis Vavro has been passed fit to start in defence alongside Milan Skriniar.
Despite recent injury concerns, Juraj Kucka is fit to start while Robert Bozenik, who has seven goals for his national team, spearheads their attack.
Slovakia starting lineup (4-3-3): Dubravka (GK) — Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko — Kucka, Lobotka, Duda — Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Belgium vs. Slovakia prediction, odds
- Score prediction: Belgium 2-1 Slovakia
- Odds: Belgium win = 1.51, draw = 4.60, Slovakia win = 6.80
Despite being blessed with a lot of talent in their "Golden Generation", Belgium have more often than not flattered to deceive in big tournaments. However, it would still be a huge surprise if they failed to open their Euro 2024 campaign with a win given their superior attacking quality, although Slovakia are certainly capable of making this a tricky contest.
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