The peak of Belgium’s golden generation may have come and gone, but there’s still optimism about a deep Euro 2024 run as they head into their tournament opener against Slovakia on Monday.
Led by the deadly duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, the Red Devils enter this showdown as favorites in the latest Euro 2024 odds — and they’re expected to finish as top dogs in Group E.
Slovakia is coming off an encouraging qualifying campaign, but this is a daunting spot for a nation that sits 48th in the FIFA rankings and fell at the first hurdle at Euro 2020. I dig into this June 17 matchup with my Belgium vs Slovakia predictions and Euro 2024 picks below.
Belgium vs Slovakia picks, predictions, and betting tips
My best bet:
Belgium halftime/Belgium full-time (+120 at Betano)
My analysis
With an aging core and the lingering memory of a disastrous performance at the 2022 World Cup, Belgium are in the unusual position of flying somewhat under the radar at this tournament — and I see Group E giving the Red Devils a helpful launchpad to emerge as a contender.
The first step is taking care of business against Slovakia. Belgium have collected 10 wins and four draws since flopping in Qatar, and I see their tournament experience being a trump card in this first outing.
Belgium will need a patient approach to unlock a stubborn Slovakia defense, but an early goal could flip the script. Then there’s the Lukaku factor. The much-traveled striker has a point to prove amid uncertainty about the next stop in his club career and his tournament track record speaks for itself — he scored four goals at the 2018 World Cup and repeated that trick at Euro 2020.
Lukaku, De Bruyne, and Jan Vertonghen bring the big stage know-how, while the power of Amadou Onana and the trickery of Leandro Trossard and an in-form Jeremy Doku give Tedesco the kind of spark that’s been lacking in prior tournament setbacks.
Doubts remain about this Belgium defense, especially without Thibaut Courtois between the posts, but I don’t see Slovakia exposing those flaws. The Falcons tested Portugal for chunks of two qualifying losses, but the rest of their path to Euro 2024 was simplified by a favorable group. Striker Robert Bozenik could be an isolated figure for Slovakia, with the Red Devils set to have the lion’s share of the possession.
I’m grabbing these plus-money odds and trusting Belgium’s talent edge to shine through from the start on Monday.
Kevin De Bruyne odds, prop for today
My best bet
Anytime goalscorer (+250 at Betano)
My analysis
After scoring some big goals for Man City in April, De Bruyne was kept off the scoresheet in May, but if Belgium are going to muscle their way into the inner circle of Euro 2024 contenders, they’ll need a fit and firing De Bruyne and his knack for scoring in key moments.
I like these odds for the midfield maestro to step up in this opening fixture and open his tournament goal account, particularly if Slovakia are pushed onto the back foot by early Belgium attacks. His battle with Stanislav Lobotka could decide the midfield battleground.
Belgium vs Slovakia same-game parlay (SGP)
Belgium halftime/Belgium fulltime
Romelu Lukaku anytime goal
Under 3.5
A Belgium win likely means a hot start from Lukaku. He piled up 14 goals during Belgium’s eye-catching qualifying campaign and — regardless of what’s happening in his rollercoaster club career — he tends to find his best form when he pulls on a Red Devils jersey.
His tussle with Slovakia center-back Milan Skriniar, a former team-mate at Inter Milan, should have an old-school feel, and I’m counting on Belgium’s array of playmakers to serve up scoring chances for Lukaku. Big Rom will do the rest.
However, I don’t see this turning into a lopsided scoreline. Slovakia’s defense is a major strength and it’s reasonable to expect Francesco Calzona’s men to maintain a disciplined game plan, with calculated pressing, even if they fall behind.
While it’s no secret that Belgium were in free-scoring form during their qualifying run, with 22 goals in eight games, there’s enough experience in this Slovakia backline to make this a cagey contest.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Belgium vs Slovakia odds
| Belgium | Slovakia | |
|---|---|---|
| -200 | Moneyline | +610 |
| Over 2.5 (-133) | Total | Under 2.5 (+107) |
| +360 | Draw | +360 |
Odds courtesy of Betano on 6-12.
Belgium vs Slovakia game info
| Location: | Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, Germany |
| Date: | Monday, June 17, 2024 |
| Time: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Weather: | Dry and sunny, with temperatures in the mid-70s. |
Not intended for use in MA.
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