ONE | system
Michy Batshuayi celebrates (Reuters)
Despite being of unconvincing ability, Belgium started the World Cup on the right foot with a narrow 0:1 over Canada in the opening round of the World Cup in Qatar. Although they did not impress, the Red Devils also recorded quite a few nice achievements.
It was the eighth victory in a row for the Belgians in the group stage. In both Russia and Brazil they finished with 9/9 and in 2002 (did not qualify until 2014) beat Russia 2:3 in the last game of the early stage. In doing so, they equaled the longest winning streak at home, just like Brazil in 1986-1994 and 2002-2010.
As mentioned, Roberto Martinez’s team did not impress on the field, when in fact 22 kicks were kicked at them, the most for them in the group stage since 1998. There is another statistic that shows Canada’s lack of taking advantage of situations – in the first half, their players kicked 14 times without scoring. This is the highest amount in the tournament since England against Trinidad and Tobago in 2006.
14 – Canada already has 14 shots at halftime #BELCANthe most attempts without scoring in a 1st half of a World Cup match since England (17) against Trinidad and Tobago in 2006. Harvest. pic.twitter.com/OWzXPlTN90
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 23, 2022
Martins He said after the game: “Canada was better than us, we need to play better, we have something to learn from this game. I believe we will grow as the tournament progresses. Today we did not win with our talent and quality. We have to be realistic, we have to play better, but if we won with a bad ability, then there is something to build on in the future.”
Kevin de Brauna, who was chosen as the best player of the game, appeared from the selection and said: “I don’t think I had a great game. I don’t know why I was chosen outstanding. Maybe it’s because of my name.”
Kevin De Bruyne on being named player of the match:
“I don’t think I played a great game. I don’t know why I got the trophy. Maybe it’s because of my name.” pic.twitter.com/JLvhOo3Iiz— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 23, 2022
By the way, Courtois is the first to stop a penalty for Belgium since they started collecting this statistic in 1966. In addition, the Canadian Atiba Hutchinson (39 years and 288 days) is the oldest field player to play in the World Cup since Roger Milla in 1994 (42 years and 39 days) and the oldest to start in the squad.
Match summary courtesy of here 11 the official broadcaster of the 2022 World Cup.
