Belgium National Football Team vs Slovakia National Football Team Statistics: A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction
The Belgium national football team and the Slovakia national football team are two of the most competitive teams in Europe. Both teams have a rich history and have achieved significant success on the international stage.
In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the statistics of both teams to see how they compare to each other. We will examine their overall records, head-to-head records, and individual player statistics.
Overall Records
Belgium:
- FIFA World Ranking: 2nd
- UEFA Ranking: 1st
- Overall Record: 657 wins, 252 draws, 279 losses
- Goals Scored: 2,326
- Goals Conceded: 1,155
Slovakia:
- FIFA World Ranking: 36th
- UEFA Ranking: 19th
- Overall Record: 166 wins, 92 draws, 105 losses
- Goals Scored: 610
- Goals Conceded: 452
Head-to-Head Record
Belgium and Slovakia have met 10 times in their history. Belgium has won 6 of those matches, while Slovakia has won 2. The two teams have drawn twice.
Head-to-Head Record Summary:
Match |
Date |
Result |
Venue |
1 |
13 October 2004 |
1-0 Belgium |
Lokeren, Belgium |
2 |
26 March 2005 |
1-1 Draw |
Bratislava, Slovakia |
3 |
6 September 2006 |
1-0 Belgium |
Brussels, Belgium |
4 |
17 November 2007 |
3-1 Belgium |
Brussels, Belgium |
5 |
11 October 2008 |
1-1 Draw |
Brussels, Belgium |
6 |
25 March 2009 |
4-0 Belgium |
Genk, Belgium |
7 |
10 September 2013 |
2-1 Belgium |
Brussels, Belgium |
8 |
14 November 2014 |
1-0 Slovakia |
Zilina, Slovakia |
9 |
17 November 2018 |
4-0 Belgium |
Brussels, Belgium |
10 |
21 March 2023 |
1-0 Belgium |
Brussels, Belgium |
Individual Player Statistics
Top Goalscorers:
Player |
Goals |
Eden Hazard (Belgium) |
33 |
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) |
29 |
Marek Hamšík (Slovakia) |
26 |
Robert Vittek (Slovakia) |
23 |
Most Assists:
Player |
Assists |
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) |
27 |
Thomas Meunier (Belgium) |
16 |
Marek Hamšík (Slovakia) |
15 |
Miroslav Stoch (Slovakia) |
11 |
Most Clean Sheets:
Goalkeeper |
Clean Sheets |
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) |
66 |
Matúš Kozáčik (Slovakia) |
42 |
Kamil Čontofalský (Slovakia) |
13 |
Comparison of Strengths and Weaknesses
Belgium
Strengths:
- Strong attack: Belgium has one of the most potent attacks in the world, led by Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin De Bruyne.
- Excellent midfield: Belgium's midfield is one of the best in Europe, with players like Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, and Axel Witsel.
- Solid defense: Belgium's defense is also very strong, with players like Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, and Thomas Meunier.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of depth in certain positions: Belgium is relatively thin in some positions, such as left-back and center-back.
- Susceptibility to counterattacks: Belgium can be vulnerable to counterattacks, as they often leave space behind their defense.
- Mental fragility: Belgium has sometimes struggled to perform well in big matches.
Slovakia
Strengths:
- Solid defense: Slovakia has a strong defense, led by Martin Škrtel and Milan Škriniar.
- Good organization: Slovakia is very well-organized defensively, making it difficult for opponents to create chances.
- Set-piece threat: Slovakia is dangerous from set pieces, with players like Marek Hamšík and Ondrej Duda.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of attacking firepower: Slovakia does not have a lot of attacking firepower, especially when Robert Vittek is not playing.
- Limited creativity in midfield: Slovakia's midfield is not very creative, which can make it difficult for them to break down defenses.
- Susceptibility to counterattacks: Slovakia can be vulnerable to counterattacks, as they often leave space behind their defense.
Effective Strategies
Belgium
- Utilize the counterattack: Belgium should look to exploit Slovakia's weakness to counterattacks. They can do this by playing with a high line and pressing Slovakia's defense high up the pitch.
- Control the midfield: Belgium should try to control the midfield by playing with a strong midfield trio. They can use their passing and movement to create chances for their attackers.
- Target Slovakia's weak left-back: Belgium should look to attack Slovakia's left-back, who is not as strong as their right-back. They can do this by playing with a left-winger who is good at taking on defenders.
Slovakia
- Defend deep and compact: Slovakia should defend deep and compact to make it difficult for Belgium to create chances. They can also use their set-piece threat to create chances for themselves.
- Counterattack quickly: Slovakia should look to counterattack quickly when they win the ball. They have some fast players in their team who can exploit Belgium's high line.
- Be patient in possession: Slovakia should be patient in possession and try to create chances through their passing. They should not try to force the issue, as this could lead to mistakes.
Tips and Tricks
Belgium
- Start with a strong midfield: Belgium should start with a strong midfield trio to control the game. They can use Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana.
- Play with a high line: Belgium should play with a high line to press Slovakia's defense and create chances for their attackers.
- Target Slovakia's weak left-back: Belgium should look to attack Slovakia's left-back, who is not as strong as their right-back. They can do this by playing with a left-winger who is good at taking on defenders.
Slovakia
- Defend deep and compact: Slovakia should defend deep and compact to make it difficult for Belgium to create chances. They can also use their set-piece threat to create chances for themselves.
- Counterattack quickly: Slovakia should look to counterattack quickly when they win the ball. They have some fast players in their team who can exploit Belgium's high line.
- Be patient in possession: Slovakia should be patient in possession and try to create chances through their passing. They should not try to force the issue, as this could lead to mistakes.
Why It Matters
The match between Belgium and Slovakia is an important one for both teams. For Belgium, it is a chance to extend their winning streak and move closer to qualifying for the next World Cup. For Slovakia, it is a chance to get back on track after a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The match will also be a good test for both teams. Belgium will be looking to see if they can continue to perform well against top-quality opposition. Slovakia will be looking to see if they can improve their form and show that they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Conclusion
The match between Belgium and Slovakia is sure to be a close and exciting one. Both teams have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it will be interesting to see how they match up against each other.
Based on the statistics and analysis presented in this article, Belgium is the favorite to win the match. However, Slovakia has the potential to upset Belgium if they play to their strengths and exploit Belgium's weaknesses.
Tables
Table 1: Overall Records
Team |
FIFA World Ranking |
UEFA Ranking |
Overall Record |
Goals Scored |
Goals Conceded |
Belgium |
2nd |
1st |
657 wins, 252 draws, 279 losses |
2,326 |
1,155 |
Slovakia |
36th |
19th |
166 wins, 92 draws, 105 losses |
610 |
452 |
Table 2: Head-to-Head Record
| Match | Date | **