Alphonso Davies missed a penalty for Canada as Belgium got their World Cup campaign off to a positive start with an unconvincing 1-0 win.
Canada started very brightly and were awarded an early penalty after Tajon Buchanan’s volley struck Yannick Carrasco’s hand.
Bayern Munich star and Canada poster boy Alphonso Davies stepped up to take the spot kick but saw it saved by Thibaut Courtois.
After a frantic start, the game slowed down as Belgium grew into things, but were still second best.
Against the run of play, Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi gave his side the lead in the 44th minute.
Belgium took a very undeserved lead into the break after a wonderful first-half performance from Canada.
Red Devils boss Roberto Martinez reacted by making two substitutions at half-time, as it was clear his side’s goal did not change his mindset at the break.
The second 45 minutes was more competitive, though an aging Belgium side were far from their best.
There were five minutes of added time at the end of the match but Canada failed to muster up a good chance as the game finished 1-0.
More to follow…
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