Lukaku denied twice by VAR as Belgium stunned by Slovakia

3’ – DOKU, PLAYING ON THE RIGHT, IS IMMEDIATELY INTO THE ACTION
He rides a tackle from Hancko, screeches into the box, and squares for De Bruyne, who slides in trying to score, only to send the ball square to Lukaku who, on the half-turn clobbers his finish into Dubravka’s chest. That was a good save, but also a good chance, and that’s the thing with Lukaku: he lacks the class to find deft finishes so every effort is a high-percentage, low-tariff punch.

7’ – GOAL!! Belgium 0-1 Slovakia (Schranz) Now then! Almost very game has had an early goal and here’s another – but who predicted this one?! Slovakia win the ball deep inside the Belgium half when someone, Doku I think, gives it away. Bozenik then backheels to Kucka, and though his shot is saved by Casteels, he can’t shovel away form danger, and from an acute angle, Schranz volleys home! He might’ve been offside at the point of the initial shot … but VAR says not!

56’ – GOAL!! BELGIUM 1-1 SLOVAKIA (LUKAKU) The corner goes short and for once Slovakia switch off, Trossard allowed time to curve a luscious ball to the far post, where Onana heads back across – he’s celebrating before the ball’s over the line, so good is his knock-back – and Lukaku pokes home.

57’ – BUT WAS LUKAKU OFFSIDE?
He may have been, you know!

58’ – NO GOAL!! BELGIUM 0-1 SLOVAKIA
BLukaku was fractionally ahead of the play when Onana won his header, and Belgium will be feeling very sorry for themselves.

86’ – GOAL! BELGIUM 1-1 SLOVAKIA (LUKAKU) As I was saying! Tedesco has tried everything and it’s Openda who gives him what he needs, chasing a long ball and beating Vavro for pace, skirting around his outside and cutting back for Lukaku to punch back whence it came. Salvation!

89’ – THIS IS GOOD
We see soundwaves which prove ball-to-hand contact, it takes it away from Vavro, and this is going to be disallowed!

89’ – NO GOAL!! BELGIUM 0-1 SLOVAKIA Romelu Lukaku has now had two goals ckalked off – just about correctly this second time. The handball was accidental but perceptibl,e and effective in helping Openda lose Vavro.