A first-half goal from Michy Batshuayi hands Belgium a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada in their World Cup opener in Qatar.
The result means the Red Devils move top of Group F with Croatia and Morocco both tied on one point – following their 0-0 draw earlier on Wednesday – after the opening round of matches.
Canada’s pace caused Belgium’s aging backline a wealth of problems and they had the chance to take the lead in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after a Yannick Carrasco handball at a corner.
Alphonso Davies stepped up but his poor shot was denied by Thibaut Courtois who dived low to his right to make the stop.
Canada continued to pressure and had a penalty shout reviewed by VAR in the 39th minute when Richie Laryea went down in the area under a challenge from Axel Witsel, but it was deemed to not be a penalty.
Two minutes before half time and Belgium took the lead against the run of play through Batshuayi. He latched onto a hopeful long ball by Toby Alderweireld and slotted his shot into the bottom corner.
The second half was a scrappy affair with Belgium keen to disrupt Canada’s rapid attack at any opportunity.
Canada had plenty of shots on goal but lacked a cutting edge. Their best opportunity to equalise came in the 49th minute when Jonathan David nodded a free header over the bar.
Substitute Cyle Larin also had a good chance to level with ten minutes of normal time left, but his header was caught by Courtois.
