QATAR: Belgium defeated Canada 1-0 on Wednesday at the World Cup thanks to a goal from Michy Batshuayi and a penalty kick save from Thibaut Courtois. After 36 years, Canada made its World Cup debut, but it was lackluster.
The Canadians have played four World Cup games, including the three from their 1986 start, but they are yet to earn a point or even score a goal.
At Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, they did occasionally outperform second-placed Belgium, with Canadian star Alphonso Davies missing the biggest opportunity when Courtois saved his penalty.
Belgium’s strategy worked
Michy Batshuayi replaced the injured Romelu Lukaku by Belgium’s coach Roberto Martinez. In addition, Eden Hazard was also added to Wednesday’s World Cup Group F matchup with Canada.
Both strategies were successful, as Batshuayi’s game-winning goal gave Martinez’s team a 1-0 victory.
Disheartened Canada
Canada will be highly disheartened with the result after their valiant effort in the first half went scoreless. Despite being aggressive and upbeat, they struggled to maintain control in front of the goal.
FIFA World Cup so far
With the help of two goals from Ferran Torres and goals from five other players, Spain destroyed Costa Rica 7-0 in the previous game to send a strong message to the other teams in Qatar. This was Spain’s largest winning margin at a World Cup.
Earlier, Japan shocked Germany 2-1 in their World Cup Group E opener on Wednesday, thanks to goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano in the final 15 minutes.
Before this, Morocco held 2018 runners-up Croatia to a scoreless draw in the opening match.
Upcoming matches Today (IST)
Switzerland Vs. Cameroon at 3:30 pm
Uruguay Vs. South Korea at 6:30 pm
Portugal Vs. Ghana at 9.30 pm
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Switzerland Takes the Lead by Defeating Cameroon 1-0
