Belgium 1-0 Canada: Belgium began the World Cup with a narrow victory over Canada. Despite a barrage of first-half shots on goal from Canada, besides a failed penalty kick, the Red Devils prevailed 1-0.
Canada contested its first World Cup fixture since 1986 and appeared keen to impress on the international stage. For much of the first half, the furious North Americans pushed Belgium against the wall. They had fourteen goal attempts before halftime, among which was a penalty kick, but they were unable to score. When making decisions in the last stages, luck and occasionally wisdom were lacking.
Belgium 1-0 Canada: Alphonso Davies’ missed penalty
After nine minutes, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois came to the rescue. He dove in the proper direction and stopped an Alphonso Davies penalty awarded following Yannick Carrasco’s handball. It was logically Canada’s best chance in the first half, but national coach John Herdman’s team continued pushing. Canada was refused a second penalty not soon after the first.
Tajon Buchanan, a Canadian striker, took up the ball in the penalty box after Eden Hazard’s back pass. There was an offside flag, and Hazard made the pass. Jan Vertonghen then brought down Buchanan but was not penalised. It was smacked on the other side just before the break. Batshuayi was sent after a crossing route from Toby Alderweireld, who took the ball in the edge of the box, and finished with no mistake: 1-0.
Canada made threats in the second half as well, and was found in half of Belgium, although the amount of shots on goal was far lower. The most threatening chance came from Cyle Larin’s header, which was saved by Courtois. The game was open, with both sides attacking. Canada now has to pray for a three-pointer in its next group stage match against Croatia after 5 minutes of stoppage time failed to provide a solution.
