Belgium vs Slovakia LIVE: Euro 2024 result and reaction after VAR rule out two Romelu Lukaku equalisers

On the face of it, the group should have been a straightforward Euro 2024group for Belgium, ranked third in the world with no other side higher than 20.

However they were stunned inside the first six minutes when Ivan Schranz put Slovakia ahead, and despite two Romelu Lukaku strikes going into the back of the net, both were ruled out for offside.

Belgium’s problems at tournaments resurfaced, after 63 minutes and still trailing 1-0, the team found themselves without a goal in over four and a half hours of football at the major events, and they were left contemplating a surprise defeat in their opening match.

Attention quickly turns to the evening game, where pre-tournament favourites France face Austria.

That game kicks off at 8pom BST in Dusseldorf, and you can follow all the action with our dedicated blog below.

Here’s how Group E looks after the first round of games.

1 - Romania - 3 points, GD +3

2 - Slovakia - 3 points, GD +1

3 - Belgium - 0 points, GD -1

4 - Ukraine - 0 points, GD -3

For Belgium, their next match comes against Romania on Saturday, 22 June. that game kicks off at 8pm BST in Cologne.

Slovakia will face Ukraine, who fell to a 3-0 loss in their first game, at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf on Friday 21 June at 2pm BST.

There’ll be plenty of focus on the VAR decision to chalk off Belgium’s second goal. It’s undoubtedly the most contentious decision of the tournament so far.

You’ll likely feel different about it depending on whether you want to favour the attacker or defender, but there’s no doubt that the ball hitting Openda’s hand gave him an advantage in controlling it and beating his man.

Expect to see plenty of reaction in the coming hours and days!

That game had everything! A shock, controversial decisions, disallowed goals and some great play at times from both sides.

There’ll be mixed opinions on the Openda handball, but it’s clearly a handball. His hand was probably in a natural position, but the handball gave him a clear advantage.

Belgium lose their opening game in a group they will feel like they should have got nine points from. Slovakia give themselves a brilliant chance at making the last 16, and perhaps even qualifying top of Group E!

99 mins

The referee blows the whistle and we have the first shock of Euro 2024! The commentary team mentioned that this is statistically the biggest upset in European Championship history!

98 mins

Belgium’s long ball forward rolls out for a goal kick, and we’re past the allotted added time.

97 mins

Desperation from Slovakia, who are clearing it long at every opportunity. Suslov has the chance to counter, but Belgium regroup.