| Belgium won and kept the goal

Doha: Although it was Canada who played a full field in the World Cup Football Group F match, Belgium won. Belgium survived the Canadian storm and won by a one-sided goal. Canada literally shook the world’s second-ranked Belgium. Michy Batshuayi’s goal in the 44th minute was the victory for Belgium. For the first time since 1986, Canada had no pressure to play in the World Cup. Despite creating a flurry of attacks, a lack of finishing held Canada back.

Belgium fired 22 shots at the goal net but missed the target. The Canadians were the breakthrough in what was expected to be a Belgian monopoly. Alphonso Davies wasted the opportunity to take the lead through a penalty in the 8th minute. Alphonso Davies would have been Canada’s first goal scorer at the World Cup if he had found the penalty. Canada returned from the 1986 World Cup in Mexico without conceding a single goal.

The penalty was for the ball hitting Yannick Carrasco in the box. The referee checked War and pointed to the penalty. Alphonso Davies’ spot kick was correctly blocked by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Cortoise. Davies’ left-footed kick was right as calculated. Kurtosis is the winner of the Golden Glove award in the last World Cup. After that, Canada defended Belgium with a continuous attack.

In the 30th minute, Alistair Johnson’s goal-scoring shot was blocked by the Belgium goalkeeper. Belgium’s occasional forays were met by the Canadian defence. The goal was scored with one minute remaining in the first half. Michy Batshuayi capitalized on the chance when Olderworld’s long ball was cleared by the defence.

Although the goal was conceded, Canada’s attack did not slow down. They constantly got into the Belgium box. Taion Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Junior Hoylett all failed to capitalize on opportunities. Kevin De Bruyne made the Lightning move in the final ten minutes but the goal was denied. In the 79th minute, Larin headed a cross from Johnston towards the goal, but Cortosis made the save. Belgium coach Roberto Martinez was interested in the 3-4-2-1 formation with Batshuayi in front. Belgium played without Romelu Lukaku who was injured. Canadian coach John Herdman preferred a 3-4-2-1 formation. Jonathan Davies stood in front.