‘Unfortunate’ Romelu Lukaku becomes first player with two goals overturned by VAR in a Euro match as Slovakia stuns Belgium

Romelu Lukaku had a night to forget against Slovakia in his side's 1-0 loss at the Euros.

‘Unfortunate’ Romelu Lukaku becomes first player with two goals overturned by VAR in a Euro match as Slovakia stuns Belgium

Romelu Lukaku has now had 3 of his goals disallowed by VAR! (Via IMAGO)

European powerhouse Belgium were up against Slovakia which ended up being an exciting matchup in Group E. The Red Devils’ opener at the Euros turned out be a disaster as a single goal from Ivan Schranz turned out to be their undoing. Despite the incessant efforts made by Belgium forwards, their efforts came up too short to drag them back into the game.

Out of all their forwards, Romelu Lukaku was by far the most unlucky when it came to finishing his chances. The No.10 was crucified on social media following the game for missing several golden opportunities to bring his side back into the game. His three missed chances handed him a ‘unique’ record that no attacking player would want to hold.

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Lukaku missed a total of three ‘big’ chances against Slovakia, which is the highest for a player in the Euros since 2000. He also had two of his ‘goals’ overturned by VAR for offside, which is a first for any player in the competition.

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Lukaku however, scored 14 goals in the qualifying stages and is also the all-time leading goal scorer for Belgium!

Belgium get off to losing start against Slovakia in frustrating encounter

The Red Devils are one of the most talented sides on paper at the 2024 Euros. However, their impressive attacking line-up and strong defensive set-up was unable to help them salvage a point against 48th ranked Slovakia. The game sparked to life when Romelu Lukaku failed to take advantage from a golden opportunity from point blank in the opening minutes of the game.

Slovak players after scoring the opener against Belgium Romelu Lukaku
Slovakia stunned Belgium with a narrow 1-0 win in Group E (Via X/@EURO2024)

Not even two minutes had passed when Slovakia forward Ivan Schranz powered his side into the lead. Belgium only had themselves to blame, as the goal came as a result of a wrongly placed pass at the back. Slovakian keeper Martin Dubravka did well to keep out the five attempts on goal made by Belgium.

As it stands, Belgium are third in Group E and only above Ukraine by virtue of their superior goal difference. Ukraine surprisingly lost the game against Romania as the latter put three goals past a side ranked 24 spots above them in FIFA rankings. Belgium are up against Romania on the 23rd of June for their second group stage match.

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