While Canada qualified for the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in history, Belgium are considered one of the favorites for this year’s championship in Qatar. The meeting of these two sides was offered on Wednesday’s Group F programme. The Benelux team won 1:0 after a not entirely convincing performance.
The first shot on goal came in the first minute, when after the Canadian defeat, striker Batshuayi sent a shot from behind the goal into goalkeeper Borjan’s gloves. However, the representatives of the country of the maple leaf were at the beginning the most active team in the game of football.
They had a great opportunity to score in the tenth minute. Zambian referee Sikazwe booed Carrasco’s hand in the Belgian penalty area after watching the video. However, Courtois blocked Davies’ penalty attempt.
The game continued to be played at a solid pace, with foreign footballers finding the finish more often than not. However, in the position of head of unit, the wards of the Spanish coach Martínez left for the booths.
In the 44th minute of the team coached by English Herdman, Batshuayi scored a goal in the locker room. After Alderweireld’s pass behind the defence, the Fenerbahçe player made a nice half-volley.
Moments earlier, another potential penalty situation was being investigated. However, Witsel’s intervention on Laryeu was not considered illegal by the head referee in cooperation with the VAR.
This questionable moment followed the action from the fourteenth minute, when the assistant referee mistakenly waved offside during dangerous play by Canada. Had it not been for such an error, the North Americans would probably have taken a penalty kick again due to the foul.
Even after the break, the fast attacks by the Canadians put the Belgian team in difficulty. In the 48th minute, David headed close to goal.
An interesting fact is that both players of the Western European team, who came on the field at the beginning of the second half, quickly received a yellow card on their account. Penalty for Meunier in the 53rd minute and for Onana in the 56th minute.
After an hour of play, captain Hazard, criticized by the Belgian fans, left the field and was replaced by Trossard. However, he and his teammates also failed to transfer the offensive advantage to the boots of the favored team.
Before the last ten minutes began, Larin landed an interesting header, but Courtois certainly intervened. Five minutes later, on the other side, after a normal situation played by De Bruyne, Dendoncker missed a header.
In the end, the Canadians failed to score a single goal in a total of 21 shot attempts, compared to nine for the Belgians. After a narrow victory, Belgium top the basic group, which still consisted of Croats and Moroccans, who drew in the opening round.
Source: CT sports, FIFA
