The Belgium team did what was required, but no one expected Canada to outpace them for most of the match.
Group F started with a goalless draw, and Croatia couldn’t handle Morocco, so another potential national team, Belgium, could go a step further by beating Canada.
However, few people expected that the Belgian golden generation would suffer so much against the North Americans, who participated in the World Cup for the second time after 1986. Canada played bravely and had the upper hand against the Belgians, winning on a penalty kick in the 10th minute. It would have been Canada’s first World Cup goal, but Davies’ weak shot was saved by Courtois.
Another penalty should have been awarded to Canada, but the assistant and referee were completely clueless, they ambushed when Hazard passed the ball to the Canadian striker who stepped on his foot.
The Belgians, who played poorly and without ideas, capitalized thanks to two excellent individual performances. Alderweireld gave Batshuayi a great pass across half of the field, cutting it off the catch.
There were chances for Canada in the second half as well, but Belgium routinely won the match, which they probably would have lost on points. Canada had zero points after a missed penalty and 22 shots on goal.
FIFA World Cup, Group F, First Round
Belgium – Canada 1-0
Goal: Batshuayi (44.)
Today’s results so far:
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
