Belgium defeated Canada 1-0 in their 2022 World Cup opening match at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium thanks to a goal by Michy Batshuayi.
Batshuayi led the line in Romelu Lukaku's absence, scoring in the 44th minute to settle a tense Group F match in the Red Devils' favor. Thibaut Courtois saved an early Alphonso Davies penalty for Roberto Martinez's team, who otherwise struggled against the nation breaking their 36-year finals drought.
However, Belgium increased their eight-match winning streak during the group stage, which is the longest streak in the history of the competition (level with Brazil).
Against the Canucks, Belgium struggled early on. VAR determined that Yannick Carrasco handled Tajon Buchanan's shot in the box, and the Canucks were given a penalty. However, Courtois correctly predicted Davies' tame penalty kick and dove to his right to stop it.
John Herdman, the first coach to lead a country to both the men's and women's World Cups, saw his team continue to provide the larger offensive threat. Atiba Hutchinson and Buchanan both missed their targets, but Alistair Johnston delivered a vicious blow that burned Courtois' palms.
But just before halftime, Belgium unexpectedly took the lead. Batshuayi grabbed Toby Alderweireld's long pass and fired past Milan Borjan. Despite having the advantage in possession, Belgium continued to play poorly after the break, managing just one shot on goal.
With 10 minutes left, top scorer Cyle Larin was introduced, and his header forced Courtois into action. However, Canada was unable to equalize, and their opponents held on for a narrow victory.
WHY DOES THAT MATTER? BELGIUM BATTLES A DETERMINED CANADA
Belgium, despite not playing at their best, rose to the top of Group F after Croatia's earlier goalless draw with Morocco.
Despite losing, it was a historic day for Canada because they made it back to the finals after a 36-year absence and were unlucky not to break their penalty-saving streak after Davies' stop. At 39 years and 288 days old, captain Hutchinson made World Cup history as the oldest outfield starting.
BATSHUAYI ADVANCES
In light of the uncertainty surrounding Lukaku's return date, Batshuayi stepped up with his 27th goal in 49 appearances for his country, moving him into a tie for sixth place with Joseph Mermans.
The goal by the Fenerbahce forward was one of five shots on target that night, which was only surpassed by Jonathan David of Canada.
NEXT, WHAT?
On Sunday, Group F action will be resumed for both teams. Against Morocco, Belgium will try to play better, and Canada cannot afford another loss to Croatia, who were the 2018 champions.
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