Belgium 1 Canada 0 – World Cup 2022 RESULT: Batshuayi goal seals win as underdogs left to rue Davies’ penalty miss
BELGIUM beat Canada 1-0 in their opening World Cup game thanks to Michy Batshuayi's goal.
Canada dominated much of the match, however, and had a penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois in the first half.
- RESULT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
- Belgium XI: Courtois, Alderweireld, Dendoncker, Vertonghen, Castagne, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco, De Bruyne, Batshuayi
- Canada XI: Hutchinson, Borjan, Johnston, Miller, Vitoria, Eustaquio, Hoilett, Buchanan, Davies, David, Laryea
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That's all from the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Belgium claimed all three points thanks to Michy Batshuayi's first half goal.
Canada were the better side on the night, but they failed to convert any of their 22 shots.
John Herdman will undoubtedly be proud of his side for going toe-to-toe with the second-best team in the world, and the Maple Leafs will now believe that they can earn a spot in the knockout stages.
But first they will have to take maximum points from their clash with Croatia on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Belgium take on Morocco on the same day.
Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
John Herdman reacts
When speaking to BBC One, the Canada boss said:
"I'm proud of the performance but you need to take three points in your first game. We had an opportunity to be top of the group tonight - that was the mission and we missed it, but I'm proud of the performance.
"These lads put a shift in, they showed that they can live on this stage. They made the fans proud and made them feel like they belong here and that was important for us. I showed them the stats and showed them that they belong here.
"Croatia is our next mission. I lost my first game at the London 2012 Olympics and then we went on to win our first medal in 86 years so it's how we respond now. With that belief and keeping the brotherhood tight, we've got a chance."
Credit: PA Belgium top Group F
Belgium sit at the top of Group F while Canada drop to the bottom.
Roberto Martinez reacts
When speaking to BBC One, the Belgium boss said:
"Today was such a difficult game, Canada were better than us in what we wanted to do.
"They came to the tournament with an incredible celebration, great emotion, what we expected. This Canada team has a lot of pace and directness.
"To be fair, we had to show another side of our play. I'm delighted because we won the game through grit and experience through the quality of our goalkeeper who kept us in the game by saving the penalty, many elements.
"I think the victory today is more important than when you play well."
Credit: Getty Full Time - Belgium 1-0 Canada
It's no surprise to see that Thibaut Courtois has been named Belgium's player of the match!
Full Time - Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada played well throughout, but they lacked that cutting edge in front of goal.
Match stats
22 shots for Canada in the end, but they couldn't convert any of them.
Full Time - Belgium 1-0 Canada
It's defeat for Canada. But no doubt John Herdman will be incredibly proud of his players - they were outstanding. But it wasn't enough.
90+3. Belgium 1-0 Canada
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium:
"Running out of time. Running out of legs. But not running out of heart.
"Belgium will probably hold on but they are not the heroes of this one. Not by a long chalk.
"In fact, they have played worse than Germany did. And Canada have played better than Japan did. Football, eh???"
Credit: Getty
90+1. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Five minutes have been added on.
A relatively low amount compared to some other games so far in the competition!
87. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium counter attack again.
Trossard receives the ball before driving into the box, but he eventually runs it out of play.
83. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium attempt to beat Canada's high press with a counter attack.
Openda carries the ball into Canada's half but is stopped in his tracks by a reckless challenge from Johnston.
The defender is booked, but the Belgium players believe he should be shown red.
Credit: Reuters 82. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada make a double substitution.
Osorio replaces Eustaquio.
Millar replaces Buchanan.
80. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Huge chance for Canada!
The ball is crossed to Larin in the box, who flicks it towards goal, but Courtois does well to make the save.
78. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Another substitution for Belgium.
Openda is on to replace Batshuayi.
77. Belgium 1-0 Canada
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium:
"I seriously do not believe I have EVER seen De Bruyne misplace as many passes as he has tonight.
"Even when he does get one right, teeing up Batshuayi for what looks like a simple finish, a white shirt comes out of nowhere to make a block.
"Canada’s courage has been at both ends of the park and the response to that was almost as loud as if they had scored. I think. After all, we know they haven’t actually found a way to score yet."
Credit: Getty 74. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Another substitution for Canada.
Adekugbe is on to replace Laryea.
72. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Laryea gives the ball away to De Bruyne, who skips past his marker before darting towards Borjan's goal.
He attempts to switch the play to Batshuayi, but the striker's first touch sends the ball out of play.
70. Belgium 1-0 Canada
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium:
"Of course, there is only one stat that counts.
"And watching the latest Canadian effort land in the middle tier behind Courtois’ goal shows why they have a zero by their name where Belgium have a one.
"Canadian fans seem to be sensing their men have shot their bolt. They are starting to look tired. No surprise after all that endeavour bringing no reward."
67. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Chance for Belgium!
De Bruyne finds the ball on the right before squaring it to Batshuayi on the edge of the box.
The striker lines up the shot, but Laryea gets back to make an outstanding block.
Credit: PA 65. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium appeal for a penalty as Onana goes to ground in the box, but the referee dismisses claims.
62. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Another substitution for Belgium.
Hazard hands the captain's armband over to Witsel before making way for Trossard.
59. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada are next to make a double change.
Larin replaces Hoilett.
Kone replaces Hutchinson.
57. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Onana is booked for a rash challenge on Eustaquio.
56. Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada are on the front foot.
Buchanan effortlessly flicks the ball over the head of Vertonghen before cutting inside and unleashing a shot, but his effort flies over the bar.