Batshuayi gives Red Devils winning start against World Cup’s new face Canada.
World Cup 2022 Highlights – Belgium 1-0 Canada, as Michy Batshuayi scored the only goal in their 2022 World Cup opener at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.
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Game Highlights
With Romelu Lukaku’s absence, Batshuayi took charge of the attacking line and he made it count.
The former Chelsea’s striker’s 44th-minute shoot was enough to settle a nervy Group F clash in the Red Devils’ favour.
Roberto Martinez’s side were grateful to Thibaut Courtois, who saved an early Alphonso Davies penalty.
Canada was awarded a penalty when VAR ruled Yannick Carrasco had handled Tajon Buchanan’s shot in the box but Courtois guessed correctly to keep out Davies’ tame spot-kick by diving to his right.
It was Canada’s best shot to have the first goal in their first World Cup’s appearance after 36 years waiting. But Canada went on to put press on the former FIFA’s #1 ranking Belgium with the total of 14 shots.
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Canada’s manager John Herdman saw his side continue to carry the greater attacking threat.
Alistair Johnston stung Courtois’ palms with a fierce strike, while Buchanan and Atiba Hutchinson were off target.
But Belgium snatched the lead against the run of play just before half-time; Batshuayi latching onto Toby Alderweireld’s long ball before firing past Milan Borjan.
Though they edged possession, Belgium continued to look off their game as they registered just one shot on target after the break.
Canada looked to capitalise with the introduction of top scorer Cyle Larin, but they were unable to find an equaliser as their opponents held on for a narrow victory.
Nevertheless, Belgium stretched their group-stage winning streak to eight matches, with no side enjoying a longer run in the competition’s history (level with Brazil).
