Belgium vs Canada LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction after Michy Batshuayi hits winner
Belgium 1-0 Canada: Michy Batshuayi scores glorious winner to sink impressive Canada
Belgium kicked off their World Cup 2022 campaign by sneaking past a determined Canada in their opening Group F fixture. Despite being outplayed for most of the game Roberto Martinez’s side took the lead just before half-time through Michy Batshuayi’s left-footed strike.
Yet sometimes the scoreline simply does not tell the whole story. Semi-finalists in 2018, the top-ranked team in the world for more than three years, Belgium duly beat a Canada side absent from this stage since 1986. Most expected them to; just not like this because Belgium were dismal in victory, Canada marvellous in defeat.
Canada were denied by moments of brilliance in either penalty box, whether Michy Batshuayi’s wonderful winner or Thibaut Courtois’ terrific penalty save. The points will go to Roberto Martinez, but the plaudits should belong to John Herdman, whose underdogs made this a memorable occasion.
In 2022, as in 1986, Canada are pointless and goalless in the World Cup 2022 but, from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, from the 49th parallel to the Arctic Circle, theirs was a performance to be proud of.
Relive all the action from Belgium vs Canada with our live blog below:
Harry Kane trains for England after ankle injury scare ahead of World Cup clash with USA
Harry Kane trained on Wednesday and England are optimistic the striker will be fit for Friday’s World Cup 2022 clash against the United States.
Gareth Southgate’s men enjoyed the Three Lions’ best start to a major tournament, thrashing Iran 6-2 as their quest for Qatar glory began in style on Monday.
Kane provided two assists and played 75 minutes of the Group B opener, having seemingly escaped injury despite going down gripping his right foot in pain early in the second half.
Southgate downplayed the issue but the 29-year-old left the Khalifa International Stadium with a slight limp and his right ankle lightly strapped following a poor challenge by Morteza Pouraliganji.
Kane was due for a scan on his right ankle ahead of the US game and it seems the striker has avoided injury as he trained with the group on Wednesday.
Kane trains for England after ankle injury scare ahead of clash with USA
FT Belgium 1-0 Canada
The result boils down to these stats. Canada had 21 shots but only managed to hit the target three times. On top of that Alphonso Davies had a penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois who continues to show how great his is.
In comparison Belgium had the same amount of shots on target in just nine attempts.
Full-time: Belgium 1-0 Canada
90+5 mins: Belgium cling on! Roberto Martinez’s men take maximum points from a game that Canada dominated. In every aspect bar one the Canadians outplayed Belgium but they were woeful in front of goal.
Alphonso Davies’ missed penalty in the first half was a crucial moment and Michy Batshuayi’s goal was another. Belgium win the game and move to the top of Group F.
They’ve now won eight consecutive World Cup group games drawing level with Brazil’s record.
Belgium 1-0 Canada
90+3 mins: Belgium are on the verge of victory now. It’ll be three points they don’t necessarily deserve but they’ve earned due to being more clinical in front of goal.
Michy Batshuayi’s strike remains the difference between the teams. Two minutes to play.
Belgium 1-0 Canada
90 mins: Canada earn themselves a last minute corner, can they convert it into their first World Cup goal? They deserve at least a point out of this game.
The corner is whipped into the box but sails over everyone’s heads. What a waste.
Five minutes will be added on.
Belgium 1-0 Canada
86 mins: Belgium’s free kick is certainly in Kevin De Bruyne territory. He decides not to go for goal and instead lifts a cross into the box.
Leander Dendoncker attacks the ball and heads it well over the crossbar!
Belgium 1-0 Canada
83 mins: Yellow card to Alistair Johnston! The Canadian right-back is done for pace by Lois Openda who knocks the ball past him and looks to drive into the box.
Jonhston desperately takes him out before he gets to the box and gifts Belgium a free kick.
Belgium 1-0 Canada
80 mins: Chance! Eustaquio receives the ball and is allowed to turn into space over on the right side. He swings a great cross into the middle of the box and picks of Cyle Larin.
Larin’s headed effort finds the target but Thibaut Courtois drops to his right and smothers the ball.
Belgium 1-0 Canada
78 mins: Belgium’s goalscorer Michy Batshuayi is hooked off as time ticks away in Qatar. He’s replaced with Lois Openda for the final stages of this game.
Can Belgium score again and secure these three points?
Belgium 1-0 Canada
75 mins: Close! Laryea injects a bit of momentum into Canada’s play and feeds Buchanan out on the right. He carries the ball all the way up to the penalty area then slides it inside to Cyle Larin.
Larin takes a touch and the ball runs away from him meaning that Belgium can boot it clear before he gets a shot away.
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