Belgium 1-0 Canada: Dominant Maple Leafs suffer frustrating defeat in World Cup opener as Michy Batshuayi takes advantage of Alphonso Davies' heartbreaking early penalty miss to score the only goal of the game
- Belgium spoiled Canada's World Cup return in a spirited 1-0 win in Al Rayyan
- The Maples Leafs produced a stunning first-half performance prior to the loss
- Michy Batshuayi struck a venomous volley against the run of play for Belgium
- The Red Devils sit atop Group F on 3 points, two ahead of Croatia and Morocco
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- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
In many ways, it was the most captivating of all the surprises which the past few days have delivered up here. Not the score-line, which maintains Belgium’s record as one of the most clinical World Cup group stage performers of the past 12 years. But in the exquisite, sometimes breath-taking football of a Canadian side determined to make up for lost time.
Perhaps the Canadian spirit was to be expected, given that the ethos of this team was forged in Leeds. Manager John Herdman coached four times a week as a student in the city, setting up an offshoot of the city’s Brazilian Soccer Schools, where the watchword was energy.
That was the overwhelming quality of his Canada team, too, when they returned to this stage for the first time in 36 years. Belgium, who had won seven World Cup group stage matches in a row heading into this tournament and had not lost one since 1994, were steamrollered by a team intent on pressing the life out of them.
![Michy Batshuayi spoiled the Canadian party with a lethal half-volley which became the winner](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64874067-11457981-Michy_Batshuayi_spoiled_the_Canadian_party_with_a_lethal_half_vo-a-57_1669271956867.jpg)
Michy Batshuayi spoiled the Canadian party with a lethal half-volley which became the winner
![Michy Batshuayi (CR) celebrates with Yannick Carrasco (CR), Alex Witsel (CL) and Eden Hazard (L) following his superb strike to open the scoring vs. Canada in Al Rayyan Wednesday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876789-11457981-Michy_Batshuayi_CR_celebrates_with_Yannick_Carrasco_CR_Alex_Wits-a-61_1669271957132.jpg)
Michy Batshuayi (CR) celebrates with Yannick Carrasco (CR), Alex Witsel (CL) and Eden Hazard (L) following his superb strike to open the scoring vs. Canada in Al Rayyan Wednesday night
![Alphonso Davies had chance to score Canada's first World Cup goal but missed a penalty](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876433-11457981-Alphonso_Davies_had_chance_to_score_Canada_s_first_World_Cup_goa-a-59_1669271956880.jpg)
Canada's Alphonso Davies had chance to score country's first World Cup goal but missed PK
Their first half athleticism was mesmerising: one of the most refreshing 45 minutes of football at this World Cup, jet-propelled by the step-overs and slalom runs of Alphonso Davies and Junior Hoilett. Stephen Eustáquio was the technician, stringing the enterprise together.
The enormous moment arrived early, ten minutes in, when Tajon Buchanan’s half volley was judged by VAR officials to have struck Yannick Carrasco on the arm and Canada were presented with a penalty. Davies did not strike it well and Thibaut Courtois dived to his right to save his fifth penalty of nine he has faced in 2022.
If Davies was affected by this, he certainly didn’t show it. He played in dancing shoes, running into the box and leaving Youri Tielemans on the seat of his pants. Canada might not have the most distinctive choral repertoires – ‘Ooh, ah Canada’ to the tune of ’We are staying up’ - but they had the same joyous support that Wales got from the same sections of seating here earlier this week.
Carrasco, who was eviscerated by the Canadian pace, and Tielemans, who also struggled, didn’t make it out for the second half, though by the time the interval arrived, Belgian had an unworthy lead.
![While he may not have been at his best, Kevin De Bruyne still caused problems for Canada](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876807-11457981-While_he_may_not_have_been_at_his_best_Kevin_De_Bruyne_still_cau-a-58_1669271956874.jpg)
While he may not have been at his best, Kevin De Bruyne still caused problems for Canada
![While it may not have been a vintage performance, Belgium's win puts them in pole position](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876289-11457981-While_it_may_not_have_been_a_vintage_performance_Belgium_s_win_p-a-60_1669271957116.jpg)
While it may not have been a vintage performance, Belgium's win puts them in pole position
![Eden Hazard showed flashes of what he could be do during the month-long Qatar tournament](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876821-11457981-Eden_Hazard_showed_flashes_of_what_he_could_be_do_during_the_mon-a-64_1669271960179.jpg)
Eden Hazard showed flashes of what he could be do during the month-long Qatar tournament
![Davies sunk into a crouched position, exasperated at the result belying a brilliant performance](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876421-11457981-Davies_sunk_into_a_crouched_position_exasperated_at_the_result_b-a-62_1669271959896.jpg)
Davies sunk into a crouched position, exasperated at the result belying a brilliant performance
It was hardly a goal in the Roberto Martinez mould – a lumped ball by Toby Alderweireld bisecting the central defenders which the otherwise ineffectual Michy Batshuayi half-volleyed home. That’s what a collective 925 caps in the team buys you. Goalkeeper Milan Borjan should have done better.
The question for the Belgian nation is whether that kind of experience – a side with six players over the age of 30 – equates to weary, ageing inadequacy. Martinez has denied failing to bring through a new group, though this was a brutal exposition of the damage youthful exuberance can do.
Kevin de Bruyne, who struggled to supply Batshuayi and Eden Hazard, was visibly frustrated and bemused to be named Man of the Match at the end. ‘I don’t think I played a great game,’ he said. ‘I don’t why they chose me. Maybe the name.’
![Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was mobbed by teammates after his penalty save](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876431-11457981-Real_Madrid_goalkeeper_Thibaut_Courtois_was_mobbed_by_teammates_-a-63_1669271959971.jpg)
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was mobbed by teammates after his penalty save
![The world-class shot-stopper got down quickly to his left to deny Davies a place in history](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876427-11457981-The_world_class_shot_stopper_got_down_quickly_to_his_left_to_den-a-66_1669271960220.jpg)
The world-class shot-stopper got down quickly to his left to deny Davies a place in history
The question for Canada, whose Lille striker Jonathan David wasted a good headed chance to equalize in the second half, is how to improve their finishing.
‘We do some shooting practice! Four days of shooting practice!‘ said Herdman. ‘The stats would say we were a ruthless team.’ They were most certainly not.
As always, Roberto Martinez found a bright side to things. ‘Technically it was our worst performance (at a World Cup.), he said. ‘It wasn’t our worst game because it was a win. Not winning when you don’t play well doesn’t happen by accident.’ But his team need something monumentally better if they are to see out three weeks here.
![The 39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson (R) put in a mature performance in the Canadian midfield](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876829-11457981-The_39_year_old_Atiba_Hutchinson_R_put_in_a_mature_performance_i-a-65_1669271960216.jpg)
The 39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson (R) put in a mature performance in the Canadian midfield
![Canada's players huddled together in an intimate circle following the 1-0 defeat to Belgium](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/24/06/64876295-11457981-Canada_s_players_huddled_together_in_an_intimate_circle_followin-a-67_1669271960323.jpg)
Canada's players huddled together in an intimate circle following the 1-0 defeat to Belgium
To review all of the action from the World Cup Group F clash between Belgium and Canada, scroll down.
And that's the final whistle on our coverage of today's World Cup matches.
Be sure to tune in to tomorrow's live coverage of all three World Cup games in Qatar.
1. BEL - 3PTS
2. MOR - 1PT
3. CRO - 1PT
4. CAN - 0PTS
That's it! Belgium close out their first group game with a win. It was a brave showing by the Canadians but they weren't quite at it in the second half.
Belgium stroking it around masterfully. One long heave from Canada doesn't help, and rather hinders, their cause.
Time has quite simply run out for the North Americans.
Second-half has certainly belonged to Belgium. Fantastic showing by Onana in the middle of the park to establish control.
It seems Roberto Martinez's team talk did the business with the Red Devils far more compact and organized out of possession.
Trossard tries to create something late for Belgium before running out of room, taking the ball out.
Canada once again has the ball in the Belgium half but can do little to stifle the European side.
It has been an impressive second-half showing by Roberto Martinez's men.
De Bruyne's juicy ball in headed over by Dendocker.
De Bruyne moments later, blazes over. Not been his best game tonight.
Canada keep pressing but Larin can't direct his header down. Looks as if this one will keep going down to the wire.
Johnston picks up a booking for a crude challenge. Purely tactical foul on Openda from behind as the rapid Belgian looked to hit Canada on the break.
ON: Millar and Osorio
OFF: Buchanan and Eustaquio
Canada going all out here, ball completely in their end.
Davies picks up his nation's first yellow card.
Touch and go call but it goes in favor of the Belgians.
Brilliant ball in from the right-side by Johnston.
Larin there to meet it well, directing it toward the far corner but Courtois get there relatively comfortably.
ON: Openda
OFF: Batshuayi
Canada cannot find any offensive rhythm.
It's less to do with Belgium's pressure on the ball, and more an inability to string several passes together. Complete contrast to the first half.
ON: Adekugbe
OFF: Laryea
The move should push Buchanan up higher and out of the LB spot, which he has been operating for most of the half.
Boos ring around the stadium as Belgium keep possession. They're really starting to take control of the game, with Trossard and Onana's introductions proving shrewd.
Onana has provided Belgium with an anchor in midfield. Their attacking prowess is off but the query is, can Canada capitalize?
They haven't troubled Belgium this half.
Game really opening up now.
Belgium could've been in but De Bruyne can't put Batshuayi through.
He gets his chance again and perfectly finds the striker, but a wonderful sliding tackle from Laryea knocks it out for a corner.
I'm not sure I've seen a shot go further into orbit than Tajon Buchanan's. That's definitely into the Gulf.
Dejan Lovren at Wembley, eat your heart out!
Roberto Martinez is readying Brighton's Leandro Trossard to come on as an attacking reinforcement in the place of Madrid's Eden Hazard.
A decent night for the former Chelsea man
Seems like a sensible move by John Herdman to bring on Larin with a lack of cutting edge for Canada.
They very much still have possession on their terms, all they need is to turn it into something more.
Double switch for Canada.
OFF: Hoilett & Hutchinson
ON: Larin & Kone
Nothing overly tangible occurring from either side in terms of attacking chances.
Though Canada do still have much of the ball and are nullifying the leaders thus far.
Onana gets booked and now both of Belgium's subbed.
The second half sub gets booked for an elbow in contesting with Junior Hoilett.
Canada again the aggressors despite Martinez's tactical changes.
Belgium find themselves pinned in their own half once again - this second half is panning out similarly to most of the first.
David gets his head on the cross but is unable to get his effort on target!
The Lille striker has yet to show his lethal capabilities in this game. Remember, Canada do have all-time scorer Cyle Larin sitting on the bench.
Thomas Meunier and Amadou Onana come on for Youri Tielemans and Yannick Carrasco.
Defensive changes from Martinez make sense with the lead and dominance Canada showed throughout the first half.
The ESPN FC pundit is, like many Canadians, outraged at the non-calls going against Canada during the first half.
Shots: BEL 4-14 CAN
Shots on target: BEL 2-2 CAN
Possession: BEL 56% - 44% CAN
Fouls: BEL 3-9 CAN
Corners: BEL 1-2 CAN
Saves: BEL 2-1 CAN
Belgium have not lost in their previous 17 World Cup games when scoring first.
Can Canada change it?
Scarcely believable that Belgium lead at the break, but here we are.
Batshuayi's goal well and truly against the run of the play but if Canada can produce a similar level, they are more than capable of taking all three points from the second 45.
Buchanan puts wide a laser of a cross! It should've been 1-1.
A diving effort on goal goes wide right and he cannot believe it. That was what Canada needed.
Cruel, cruel stuff. Though this is what happens when you fail to take your chances.
Canada could realistically have had three penalties and scored at least that amount. Though the prolificacy of Belgium and Batshuayi shines through before the break.
Canada forced back but Belgium are unable to find any continuity, even when in the opposition half.
Much will be made of Belgium's lackluster first half, but praise has to be given.
And out of nothing! The Red Devils lead, Batshuayi lashes in a beautiful volley. How cruel that is on Canada.
Play continues, the referee was not asked to go to the monitor. It looked like a 50/50 call, would've have been nice to see the ref head over to the screen.
Belgium start with the ball again, can they get anything going before the break?
Absorbing encounter in front of us in Al Rayyan. Largely due to the electric performance of the Canadians.
The center of the park is largely blocked up by Canada who often have 8 players inside the Belgium half.
Is that a pen?! Laryea goes down under a Witsel challenge inside the area. The referee has waved it off.
Canada's fan are rapturous inside the stadium. While they haven't scored they continue to dominate possession.
Belgium haven't created much at all, Borjan is yet to be particularly troubled. Quite incredible this start from a team at its first World Cup in a generation. If you didn't know any better you would think Canada were the third-placed team in 2018.
Big chance for Canada to find that final pass after a lovely move.
Another wave of attack comes forward before Belgium venomously hoof it out reminiscent of an Asmir Begovic goal kick at a windy Stoke!
Johnston fires a low strike at Courtois, who parries away. Buchanan providing a problem with a fearless and pacey approach.
Really lively encounter this. Courtois scoops up a deflected shot as David spurns a great chance to pass to Laryea who would've had a clean one-on-one.
Plenty going on, I'm getting sore fingers!
Great run and link up play by Davies before finding Hutchinson who wildly shot wide.
The 39-year-old, yes 39. Couldn't deliver what the move deserved.
De Bruyne finds space again, feeding Hazard. The play amounts to nothing tangible, despite the Real Madrid man potentially having the opportunity to go down in the box.
Would've been an interesting call there. Certainly more space coming for Belgium.
Belgium now starting to take a bit more control of proceedings. Hazard and De Bruyne particularly starting to see a little more of the ball.
We're now in a more even encounter, but the lingering concern for Canada has to be if Belgium can break through the press.
If so, several opportunities like De Bruyne's may present themselves. And there it is!
Chance for Batshuayi as Hazard delicately finds Tielemans before the striker sent it over the bar, via a deflection
Reading's Hoilett with a really nice run, jinking insider Alderweireld but dragging his shot wide.
It's been a dominant showing by Canada thus far, very impressive they've been able to keep up this intensity since the Davies miss.
Belgium finally break and De Bruyne somehow misses Tielemans who is wide open for a one-on-one chance. I'm not sure that is KDB out there...he would never fail to miss such a simple pass!
Huge let off for Canada.
Canada keep coming, Belgium really are struggling to string any possession together.
There's been no sight of Eden Hazard and his fellow Belgian front men since the first minute.
Canada are pressing Belgium very high here, eight Canadian players currently sit inside the Belgian half!
That is a seismic moment, not only in the history of Canadian soccer but in the context of this game.
With the rabid mostly-Canadian crowd ready to erupt, they've become slightly hushed, although reassuring chants still softly ring around.
Laryea drags a speculative shot well wide, does this give Belgium a lift? They've been very quiet thus far!
Davies has it saved! Brilliant from Courtois, down to his right. David puts the follow up over the bar, and that's a huge moment in this game.
Carrasco's arm in an unnatural position and Canada have a penalty! Alphonso Davies to step up
Canada earn their first corner of the game. Decent chance for David after a great cross in for Buchanan, who scuffed his shot.
Fortunately, a corner for Canada. Buchanan gets a volley away and Courtois manages to get his bearings before a save is made.
Hang on, there;s a stoppage in play here! VAR check incoming for the deflection off Carrasco in the box.
The ball is firmly stuck within the Canadian half. After a very shaky lapse early, the North Americans have settled in well.
Though they must be wary, at times when Belgium have successfully closed down, they have struggled to keep possession cleanly.
Michy Batshuayi with an early shot at goal, straight into the palms of the keeper.
Lack of experience hurt Canada there, giving away possession far too easily.
Though the Maple Leafs take it straight up the other end of the pitch, forcing Belgium to block a shot from inside the box.
Both teams really going at it, Canada showing some fortitude here.
Really good feeling about this one...the crowd right up for this, chants of 'Canada' ring around the stadium
The official lineups shown by FIFA and on the Fox broadcast show the Leicester midfielder starting out on the wide flank, opposite Eden Hazard.
It will be interesting to see if that does indeed play out.
We begin with the national anthem of Belgium, soon followed by 'O Canada.'
Cheers go around the stadium following Belgium's anthem but they are far louder for the Canadian national anthem.
Both the substitutes and players belt out 'O Canada' in what looks to be a very spirited and unified display.
If their hearty signing is anything to go by, this'll be some encounter.
An opportunity awaits to top the group for either team if they are able to win this Group F encounter.
Have a look at this bunch...certainly one way to get your creative juices going.
Canada fans may look to have their counterparts outnumbered, but that hasn't stopped one Belgian fan stealing the spotlight with eye-catching face paint.
Cyle Larin may be Canada's all-time leading goal scorer and the CONCACAF top scorer, but that's not enough to get him on the park initially.
Look for him to be a super sub.
No Lukaku as expected, so Batshuayi does indeed start up top for the Red Devils.
Looking likely that Belgium will also go with a 3-4-3. Naturally, Kevin De Bruyne will be the creative force.
Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco seem most suited to flank the big Belgian striker.
Seems as if Canada will line up in a 3-4-3, with Davies as a LW, with Brugge winger Tajon Buchanan on the other side as they support star Lille striker, Jonathan David.
Reading flier Junior Hoillett is also set to start as a RM.
Davies does in fact start for Canada in what is a huge boost for the Maple Leafs.
Davies will be central to what happens from an attacking standpoint but he will need to have some defensive responsibility when needed.
Naturally, the Canadians will be decked out in their white and red strip.
There are plenty of Canadian fans who have created a sea of red in the crowd, however.
Belgium will be in their traditional, predominantly red strip for their first match of the 2022 tournament.
Hutchinson, Borjan, Johnston, Miller, Vitoria, Eustaquio, Hoilett, Buchanan, Davies, David, Laryea
Courtois, Dendocker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Castagne, Witsel, Tielemans, Carrasco, De Bruyne, E. Hazard and Batshuayi
The manager wants the focus to be on football, particularly given that is what both himself and the players will defined upon at the end of the tournament.
Early signs suggest the Red and White army are outnumbering their European counterparts.
Belgium fans enjoy the prematch build-up in controversial 'One Love' shirts which support LGBT inclusion -- a direct contravention of Qatari culture and Islamic Sharia Law.
The Bayern star could be set to start despite fears within the last week that he would not be available at all for the game.
In recent media interviews, Davies has said he feels 'ready' to start in the historic match.
Two hours until kick off gets underway!
One hour until the teams are announced.
Canada's first World Cup game in 36 years will take place at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, also known as Al Rayyan Stadium.
The stadium has a capacity of 44,740 and is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar -- approximately 27 miles from Doha.
Opened in 2003, it is currently home to both Al-Rayyan Sports Club and Al-Kharitiyath Sports Club.
Canadian fans getting it going early with a, well, interesting chant in the lead up to today's game.
Can only imagine the creativity if they manage to score!
Croatia and Morocco played out a 0-0 draw.
The Balkan nation had two great chances to go ahead before the break. A goal-line clearance was also needed by Morocco in the second-half to secure a point.
Ultimately it is a great point for both Canada and Belgium who could take a strong grip on Group F with +3 points today.
While Belgium is known to be a footballing hotbed, its biggest stars are in their prime or edging toward the end.
Perhaps 2022 is their best chance to win the World Cup for some time.
Canada and Belgium have only ever played each other once in the history of football.
The two have never played in a competitive match. Their sole meeting was a friendly in June of 1989 where Belgium triumphed 2-0.
Belgium will be hamstrung at the top of their attack with Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku reportedly sidelined for the first two Belgium group games.
Without Lukaku, Belgium may turn to former Chelsea and Crystal Palace man Michy Batshuayi as the closest like-to-like replacement.
Davies has taken the opportunity to speak up about one of the main issues with our very own Rob Draper.
Illuminating stuff from the Bayern star.
Belgium may have one last chance with their golden generation after two failed World Cups prior.
Their last game in Russia naturally ended in bittersweet fashion, despite a win. The Red Devils beat England 2-0 in the third-placed playoff following a 1-0 loss to France in the semi-finals.
Canada return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1986 -- their last appearance.
The Maple Leafs finished bottom of their group with three losses from three.
Hello and welcome to DailyMail.com's live coverage of Canada vs. Belgium
We'll keep you updated with all the news, build-up and live action once kick off gets underway at 2pm ET and 7pm GMT.
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