Belgium 1-0 Canada – Batshuayi goal breaks Canadian hearts as search for first World Cup goal continues
Michy Batshuayi ensured Belgium started their 2022 World Cup campaign with a win as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Canada.
Despite the result, it was far from convincing for The Red Devils as Canada had plenty of chances to get on the score sheet.
In the 8th minute, following a VAR check, the North Americans were awarded a penalty after Yannick Carrasco handled it in the box.
Alphonso Davies had the opportunity to score Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal, but his effort was tame and easily saved by Courtois.
The significance of the moment may have been too much for him.
The save from Courtois is his fifth from nine penalties faced in 2022.
Belgium looked lethargic. Senior players Axel Witsel, Jan Vertonghen, and Toby Alderweireld struggled to keep up with Canada’s energy and movement.
Canada were looking for another penalty in the first half when Witsel brought down Richie Laryea. The referee briefly thought about it but said no, and VAR agreed.
Despite Canada’s relentless pressure, Belgium broke the deadlock in the 44th minute.
The Red Devils broke with a long pass from found Michy Batshuayi with a yard of space.
The Fenerbache striker finished emphatically.
Canada had another huge chance to level on the stroke of half-time as Tajon Buchanan fired an exquisite Laryea cross high over the bar from a few yards out.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez shuffled his pack at half-time, bringing on Thomas Meunier and Amadou Onana for Yannick Carrasco and Youri Tielemans.
The Borussia Dortmund fullback picked up the first yellow card, catching Junior Hoillet with an elbow.
The Everton midfielder followed his fellow substitute into the book, also for a stray elbow, this one connecting with Stephen Estáquio.
Despite the yellow card, Onana ultimately changed the game for Belgium.
Allowing his side to have a lot more of the ball and to control the game.
Kevin De Bruyne didn’t have his best game this evening, touching the ball 14 times in the first half, the fewest of all the players on the pitch.
Eden Hazard had a few bright moments but was ultimately ineffective before being replaced by Leandro Trossard in the 62nd minute.
Canada’s energy eventually ran out, as they looked out on their feet in the final ten minutes, desperately searching for an equaliser.
But they couldn’t find it, and the result means the North American’s are bottom of Group F after game one.
Despite not finding their goal Canada did break one World Cup record this evening.
Captain Atiba Hutchinson became the oldest player to start a game at the World Cup at 39 years, and 288 days old.
Thanks to Croatia and Morocco’s 0-0 draw this morning, Belgium’s victory means they top the Group on three points.
The Red Devils will look to build on this when they face Morocco on Sunday.
Canada also play again Sunday and will hope they can find the net in their next game against Croatia and can finally end their World Cup drought.
