Belgium vs Canada LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction after Michy Batshuayi hits winner
Belgium 1-0 Canada: Michy Batshuayi scores glorious winner to sink impressive Canada
Belgium kicked off their World Cup 2022 campaign by sneaking past a determined Canada in their opening Group F fixture. Despite being outplayed for most of the game Roberto Martinez’s side took the lead just before half-time through Michy Batshuayi’s left-footed strike.
Yet sometimes the scoreline simply does not tell the whole story. Semi-finalists in 2018, the top-ranked team in the world for more than three years, Belgium duly beat a Canada side absent from this stage since 1986. Most expected them to; just not like this because Belgium were dismal in victory, Canada marvellous in defeat.
Canada were denied by moments of brilliance in either penalty box, whether Michy Batshuayi’s wonderful winner or Thibaut Courtois’ terrific penalty save. The points will go to Roberto Martinez, but the plaudits should belong to John Herdman, whose underdogs made this a memorable occasion.
In 2022, as in 1986, Canada are pointless and goalless in the World Cup 2022 but, from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, from the 49th parallel to the Arctic Circle, theirs was a performance to be proud of.
Relive all the action from Belgium vs Canada with our live blog below:
Belgium 0-0 Canada
28 mins: Hazard versus Johnston seems like a mismatch. The Canadian right-back needs help when the Belgian captain runs at him. This time he gets it from Steven Vitoria and the duo force the ball backwards.
Chance! Here come Canada. They work the ball over to the left wing where it gets played inside to Davies. His brilliant footwork takes the ball past three Belgium players before a square pass sets up Atiba Hutchinson with a long ranged shot.
The 39-year-old runs onto the ball and drills it first time only to send the shot well wide of the target. That would have been some story if he’d scored that effort.
Belgium 0-0 Canada
25 mins: Close! Eden Hazard’s first proper involvement sees him spin away from Alistair Johnston and take the ball into the box. He cuts it back to Tielemans who rolls it on to De Bruyne.
De Bruyne feeds the ball over to the right side of the area where Michy Batshuayi takes a poor touch then pokes his shot towards the near post only for Kamal Miller to leap across and get the block in!
Belgium 0-0 Canada
22 mins: I’ve got the feeling that Canada are going to rue that penalty miss by the end of the game. It was a massive opportunity for Alphonso Davies to score the country’s first ever World Cup goal but it was a poor effort.
Belgium are starting to settle down now. They’re maintaining possession well and Canada are starting to make a few mistakes.
Belgium 0-0 Canada
19 mins: Better from Belgium. A quick transition sees the balll come up to Kevin De Bruyne who turns towards goal and drives forward.
He’s got Yannick Carrasco on his left and Youri Tielemans to his right. De Bruyne slides the ball into the box for Carrasco but overhits the pass and Milan Borjan scoops up the loose ball.
Belgium 0-0 Canada
16 mins: Oh man, Belgium are all over the place. Canada’s pace up top is causing them serious problems. Roberto Martinez’s side haven’t got into the game at all yet.
They need a period of possession, preferably inside Canada’s final third.
Belgium 0-0 Canada
13 mins: Chance! The penalty miss hasn’t put a dent in Canada’s spirit. Junior Hoilett swings a cross in from the left side and the ball is nodded down by Buchanan.
The ball bounces ot Jonathan David who switches it onto his left foot and shoots only for his effort to get blocked by the closest defender.
SAVED! Belgium 0-0 Canada
10 mins: Denied! Alphonso Davies steps up to take the spot kick and curls a soft effort to Thibaut Courtois’ right. The goalkeeper guesses correctly and leaps across.
He gets two hands to the ball and palms it away and Canada send the rebound out of play!
Penalty to Canada!
Belgium 0-0 Canada
9 mins: Tajon Buchanan has found a bit of joy on the right wing. He drives the ball up alongisde the box before whipping a cross into the middle. Jonathan David gets a boot to the ball and pokes it wide but the referee awards Canada a corner.
Junior Hoilett delivers the set piece and picks out Buchanan in the box. He brings the ball down then smokes a shot at goal. Yannick Carrasco blocks the shot but there’s a huge shout for a handball against him.
VAR calls the referee over to the monitor. He takes one look at the incident and points to the spot! Huge moment coming up for Canada.
Belgium 0-0 Canada
6 mins: There’s no fear on show from Canada. They’re aggressive in possession and trust their defenders to keep Belgium at bay if lose the ball.
You’d expect Belgium to take the initiative away from them at some point but for now Canada have been impressive.
Belgium 0-0 Canada
3 mins: Chance! Alistair Johnston comes under pressure and gifts the ball to Michy Batshayi who turns towards the Canadian goal and takes a strike from range. There’s a deflection on the shot and it loops up nicely for Milan Borjan to cling onto.
Canada then sweep down the left with Junior Hoilett dribbling his way into the box. He sends a dangerous pass into the six yard area but Belgium manage to clear the danger.
Good start to this game.
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