
FIFA World Cup 2022, Belgium vs Canada, Group F: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez selected striker Michy Batshuayi to lead his attack in the absence of injured Romelu Lukaku, while Eden Hazard also started the World Cup Group F game against Canada at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday. Both moves worked as Batshuayi scored the game’s only goal to get Martinez’s side a 1-0 win. Thibaut Courtois saved an early penalty from Alfonso Davies
Canada will be hugely disappointed with the defeat, after their spirited first half performance failed to get them on the scoresheet. They were attacking and positive, but could not keep their composure in front of goal.
In the last match, Spain thrashed Costa Rica 7-0, their biggest ever winning margin at a World Cup, helped by two goals by Ferran Torres and strikes by five other players to send a resounding message to the rest of the teams in Qatar. Earlier, goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano in the last 15 minutes gave Japan a stunning 2-1 upset over four-times champions Germany in their World Cup Group E opener on Wednesday. In the early kickoff, Morocco held 2018 runner-ups Croatia to a 0-0 draw.
BEL vs CAN Starting XIs
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Leander Dendoncker, Timothy Castagne, Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Michy Batshuayi
Canada: Milan Borjan, Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, Alistair Johnston, Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaquio, Atiba Hutchinson, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett, Jonathan David
Nowhere near convincing from the Red Devils, but they defended well once they went into the lead. Martinez's second half plan more or less killing Canada's edge.
The first half is what the Canadians will regret. They created 12 chances, and had a penalty, but could not put the ball into the net. The goal they conceded was avoidable too, a long ball over the top undoing them too easily.
A spirited performance that will be seen back with regret. Belgium were lucky not to concede in the first half, will need to be better to go deep in the tournament.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Short corner routine says De Bruyne get a chance at the byline, but the shot is ultimately tame.
Canada comitting bodies forward, now or never for them.
BEL 1-0 CAN
The ball broke to Larin in the box, and the experienced defender made a crucial challenge to keep the lead.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Great ball in by De Bruyne but Dendoncker does not find the connection he needs.
Moments later, De Bruyne takes it on himself, drives to the edge of the box and shoots wide.
BEL 1-0 CAN
The rapid striker was driving at defenders on the counterattack when he was cynically taken down. Deserved yellow.
Canada getting desperate now.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Freat ball from the right flank from Johnston is met by Larin, who sees his glancing header saved by Courtois. That was the best Canada have created this half.
BEL 1-0 CAN
They may be ahead but it has been an underwhelming opening game for Belgium.
>
More from Sports
Brilliant run from Buchanan down the right sees the ball break to Larin in the box, but its cleared before he can get a shot away.
Belgium deeper as Canada look for the equaliser.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Both teams opening up and inviting pressure, Belgium look more threatening, but Canada creating higher volume of chances.
Story of the game so far, but with players like De Bruyne, Witsel, and Trossard, feels like the Red Devils could get the second.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Belgium forward was released by De Bruyne in a brilliant counter attack, and Kamal Miller's ast ditch sliding challenge was so good it had him celebrating.
Moments later, De Bruyne marshalls a transition and plays in Batshuayi again, who took to long and was blocked by Laryea.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Keeping the ball and slowing down Canada's rhythm. Martinez got his message across at half time, and his subsitutions have worked.
Canada's goal threat has significantly declined since the first half. They still have a route back in this game if they can press Belgium out of possession and improve their finishing.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Canada seeing the ball, but not making too many meaningful chances.
They need more composure on the ball, especially while goal attempts.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Vertonghen asked a bit much of his keeper, spraying an overhit pass into his feet. Great compsure to get out of the situation avoiding a bizarre error.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Canada pick up where they left off, Eustaquio and Buchanan with some brilliant work on the ball to fashion an opportunity. An inviting cross came into Courtois' area, but David's header was poor, and another chance went wide.
Moments later, Eustaquioset up a long ranger from the right, but dragged it wide. The threat is still there.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Canada were energetic and brilliant going forward in that half, but a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal has hurt them.
They don't deserve to be behind, but can they come out and produce similar football? Will Belgium be clinical and see this game out? The next 45 minutes will tell the story.
BEL 1-0 CAN
The story of the first half:
Belgium lead, despite being much the worse side.
The difference was Batshuayi taking the only clear chance that fell to them, while the Maple Leafs not only missed a penalty, but failed to convert any of their numerous opportunities.
BEL 1-0 CAN
Laryea creates a golden opportunity, getting a brilliant grounded cross into the box, but Buchanan skies it from point blank range.
Despite all their domination, Canada trail.
BEL 1-0 CAN