Belgium beat Canada 1-0 on Wednesday in a match played at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Reigning champions Canada suffered a disappointing defeat against Belgium as Michy Batshuayi capitalized on Alphonso Davies’ missed early penalty to score the only goal of the game.
Batshuayi struck in the 44th minute against Canada, who are in their first World Cup since 1986, as Roberto Martinez’s side moved two points clear of Croatia and Morocco.
John Herdman’s Canada, roaring with vocal support, spurned another strong penalty appeal and dominated the second half to no avail.
Belgium were without injured goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled with the pace of Canada’s forwards.
But the 2018 semi-finalists failed to top what could have been a hotly contested Group F following a goalless draw between Croatia and Morocco three days earlier.
Canada will head into Sunday’s game against Croatia still brimming with confidence after being paired with the world’s second-ranked team next up against Morocco.
The North Americans, matching Belgium in formation with three at the back, made a bright start and Jonathan David’s low effort was deflected wide.
From the resulting corner, Tajon Buchanan’s shot was blocked by Yannick Carrasco with his arm and awarded a penalty after VAR control in the 11th minute.
But Davies’ effort was weak, and Courtois saved low to the right, before David fired the rebound over the bar.
Belgium’s aging defense was struggling with the pace of Canada’s attackers and Junior Hoilett got in behind before firing the shot wide.
The lows kept coming, with Courtois chipping away at right-back Alistair Johnston and David shooting off target.
– VAR controversy –
Canada had a major penalty appeal rejected despite a VAR review when Axel Witsel tripped Richie Laryea inside the box and tripped his opponent.
Belgium took the lead from nowhere when a simple long ball from Toby Alderweireld found Batshuayi’s shot and left-footed header.
There was still time for Canada to create and squander another glorious chance before the break, as Laryea’s low cross was deflected in by Buchanan from six yards out.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez made a double change to try to stem the tide at half-time, with Thomas Meunier replacing Carrasco and Everton youngster Amadou Onana coming into midfield.
However, Canada could have equalized minutes after the restart when David headed wide from Stephen Eustaquio’s sweet cross after Porto midfielder Kevin De Bruyne had been nicked.
Herdman’s men continued to push forward but couldn’t find the final touch they needed, Buchanan making a spectacular miscue from the edge of the box.
The more men Canada committed, the more dangerous Belgium looked on the break and Laryea made a stunning last-ditch tackle to deny Batshuayi a second goal.
Substitute Cyle Larin, CONCACAF’s top scorer in qualifying for the tournament, came too close to Courtois in a furious final.
De Bruyne could have put the game to bed, but the crowd erupted as Larin sent another header over Courtois’ bar as Belgium fell off the line.
AFP
