Belgium - Slovakia

Once known as the golden generation, Belgium has slowly been fading from the screens. They had talent in abundance, achieving first place in world rankings, but this success was not enough to keep the team together. Players like Lukaku, who struggles to find stability in club football, and De Bruyne, who is already talking about his last playing years in Saudi Arabia, are now leading the attack. Meanwhile, players like Mertens and Hazard have left. The biggest loss due to the departure of this golden generation has been in defence, as the team once boasted world-class goalkeeper Courtois, defender Kompany who won trophies with Manchester City, and Vertonghen and Alderweireld who formed a strong defensive partnership at Tottenham, reaching the Champions League final. Vermaelen, who played for both Arsenal and Barcelona, is also now gone, leaving only average players in the defense. The current Belgian defense consists of GK Casteels (Wolfsburg), RB Meunier (Trabzonspor), CB Faes (Leicester), CB Witsel (Atl Madrid), and LB Castagne (Fulham).

As for the Slovaks, their rise to prominence was not easy, as their group only had one team better than them - Portugal. However, they did their job and secured the second spot. Their team is not particularly impressive, but it is not weak either. They only lost by narrow margins to Portugal (0-1 and 3-2), so it is safe to say that they can hold their own against the European elite.

Returning to the Belgians, there are two players who will strengthen their attack - Manchester City wonderkid Doku and the impressive Trossard from Arsenal (16 goals and 2 assists). Adding these two to the likes of Lukaku and De Bruyne gives some reassurance for their group. Their main struggles will come once they advance from the group stage, but for now, opponents like Slovakia, Ukraine, and Romania should not be too much of a challenge for them to secure first place.

Belgium's attack can be trusted, but their defense is questionable, which is why Slovakia should be able to score at least one goal. However, I have no confidence in the Belgian defense, so I am predicting over 2.5 goals. Belgium should score 2 or 3 goals, while Slovakia may add one more.

Open