The Belgians and Romelu Lukaku are returning to the big stage after incredible failures in the last match of the group against Croatia (0:0) and premature elimination from the World Cup in Qatar a year and a half ago.
The Roma striker missed the impossible, and although, as usual, he was effective in the qualifiers (he scored 17 goals in 11 games after the World Cup), a major competition such as the European Championship is the real stage for redemption.
"Red Devils", favorites in group E, they start the campaign with a duel with Slovakia in Frankfurt (18 p.m.). Three hours earlier, Romania and Ukraine are playing in the same group, in Munich.
Lukaku is the Belgians' top scorer in history, with 85 goals in 115 games. The fact that the next on the list, Eden Hazard, hit the net 33 times shows what kind of figure it is.
"His goals speak for themselves, but there is more to it. He knows exactly when to pass the ball if he has his back to the goal or if he can turn and shoot on his own," Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco told UEFA.
Tedesco, an Italian-born German, took over from Roberto Martinez in February 2023 and is unbeaten in his 15 appearances on the Belgium bench.
His team are favorites against Slovakia, who are returning to the big European stage after the 2016 European Championship in France.
The Slovakian coach was also born in Italy, unlike Tedesco, he only has an Italian passport - Francesco Calcona points out that even a draw would be a phenomenal start for his team.
- We know we are not favorites, so I would be delighted with a draw. I hope that the team will overcome the possibilities and achieve the maximum in terms of results. What is important is not to lose. Belgium is good in transition and counterattack, but we have our trump cards. When you press well, it can be an advantage, but never leave a lot of space for the opponent - said Kalcona.
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