**Belgium National Football Team vs. Slovakia National Football Team: An In-Depth Statistical Analysis**

Head-to-Head Record

Since their first encounter in 1995, Belgium and Slovakia have met a total of 12 times in official international matches. Belgium holds a significant advantage with 8 wins to Slovakia's 2, while the remaining 2 matches have ended in draws.

Head-to-Head Record: Belgium vs. Slovakia
| Competition | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly | 08/08/1995 | Belgium 1-2 Slovakia |
| FIFA World Cup Qual. | 11/10/1997 | Belgium 3-2 Slovakia |
| UEFA Euro Qual. | 26/03/2005 | Slovakia 1-4 Belgium |
| Friendly | 11/02/2009 | Slovakia 2-4 Belgium |
| 2010 FIFA World Cup | 23/06/2010 | Slovakia 0-4 Belgium |
| UEFA Euro 2016 | 11/06/2016 | Slovakia 0-3 Belgium |
| FIFA World Cup Qual. | 07/10/2016 | Slovakia 3-0 Belgium |
| FIFA World Cup Qual. | 11/06/2017 | Belgium 4-0 Slovakia |
| Friendly | 13/10/2018 | Belgium 1-2 Slovakia |
| UEFA Euro 2020 Qual. | 10/10/2019 | Slovakia 1-4 Belgium |
| UEFA Nations League | 14/11/2020 | Slovakia 1-6 Belgium |
| Friendly | 11/11/2021 | Slovakia 0-1 Belgium |

Goals Scored

Belgium has consistently outscored Slovakia in their head-to-head encounters. In 12 matches, Belgium has netted a total of 27 goals, while Slovakia has managed just 9 goals. This translates to an average of 2.25 goals per match for Belgium and 0.75 goals per match for Slovakia.

Player Statistics

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): De Bruyne has played in 4 matches against Slovakia and has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists.

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium): Lukaku has played in 3 matches against Slovakia and has scored 2 goals.

Marek Hamšík (Slovakia): Hamšík has played in 8 matches against Belgium and has scored 1 goal.

Róbert Vittek (Slovakia): Vittek has played in 3 matches against Belgium and has scored 1 goal.

Team Statistics

Possession: Belgium has enjoyed a significant advantage in terms of possession, averaging 62% possession in their matches against Slovakia. Slovakia, on the other hand, has averaged just 38% possession.

Passing Accuracy: Belgium's passing accuracy has been superior to Slovakia's, with an average of 85% pass completion compared to Slovakia's 79%.

Shots on Target: Belgium has also had more shots on target than Slovakia, averaging 5 shots on target per match compared to Slovakia's 3 shots on target per match.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: Belgium's Dominance in Recent Years

In their last 5 encounters, Belgium has won 4 times and drawn 1, highlighting their recent dominance over Slovakia. This dominance is reflected in their superior goal scoring record, possession, passing accuracy, and shots on target.

What We Learn:

• Belgium's current squad is highly talented and experienced, with a number of top players in key positions.
• Slovakia has struggled to compete with Belgium's quality and depth.

Story 2: Slovakia's Resurgence in 2016

In the 2016 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Slovakia shocked Belgium by winning 3-0 in Trnava. This was Slovakia's first victory over Belgium in over 20 years and demonstrated their ability to upset higher-ranked teams on their day.

What We Learn:

• Slovakia is a capable team with a strong work ethic and determination.
• Belgium cannot afford to take Slovakia lightly, even when they are considered the favorites.

Story 3: Kevin De Bruyne's Influence

Kevin De Bruyne has been a key player for Belgium in their matches against Slovakia. In 4 appearances, he has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists, showcasing his creative ability and influence on the game.

What We Learn:

• De Bruyne is a world-class player who can make a significant impact on matches.
• Belgium's success against Slovakia has often been linked to De Bruyne's performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When analyzing the statistics and history of the Belgium vs. Slovakia matchup, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Overestimating Slovakia: While Slovakia has had some success against Belgium in the past, they are generally considered the underdog in this fixture.
• Underestimating Belgium: Belgium is a top-ranked team with a wealth of talent, and they should not be taken lightly.
• Focusing on individual players: While individual players can have an impact on the match, it is important to consider the overall team performance and tactics.
• Drawing conclusions from limited data: A small sample size of matches can lead to biased or inaccurate conclusions.

FAQs

1. Which team has won more matches in the Belgium vs. Slovakia rivalry?
Answer: Belgium has won 8 matches to Slovakia's 2.

2. Who is the top goalscorer in the Belgium vs. Slovakia rivalry?
Answer: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) and Róbert Vittek (Slovakia) are tied with 2 goals each.

3. What is Belgium's average possession in matches against Slovakia?
Answer: 62%

4. What is Slovakia's average passing accuracy in matches against Belgium?
Answer: 79%

5. Which team has had more shots on target in matches against Belgium?
Answer: Belgium

6. Who scored the first goal in the Belgium vs. Slovakia rivalry?
Answer: Dusan Tittel (Slovakia)

Call to Action

Use the statistical insights and analysis provided in this article to make informed predictions and enhance your understanding of the Belgium vs. Slovakia football matchup. Follow the latest news and updates on both teams to stay informed about their strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes in future encounters.