DOHA, Qatar (AFP) — Michy Batshuayi’s first-half goal proved enough for a below-par Belgium to squeeze to a 1-0 win over a Canada side playing their first World Cup match for 36 years on Wednesday.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Alphonso Davies’ early penalty and Batshuayi opened the scoring against the run of play in the 44th minute.
John Herdman’s Canada, roared on by its vocal supporters, also had another strong penalty appeal turned down and dominated the second half to no avail.
Belgium was without injured record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled throughout with the pace of Canada’s forwards.
But the 2018 semifinalists clung on to move top of what could prove a hotly-contested Group F after Croatia and Morocco’s goalless draw earlier on Wednesday.
“Was it technically our ‘worst game,’ yes, when you measure the performance,” Belgium coach Roberto Martinez admitted.
“Was it the ‘worst game,’ no, because we won.”
“We defended well and we needed our goalkeeper.”
Canada will head into its game against Croatia on Sunday still full of confidence after more than matching the team ranked second in the world, who next face Morocco.
“They showed tonight that they do belong here. It’s been a long time since we’ve been back,” said Herdman, the first coach to lead teams at women’s and men’s World Cups.
“I’m sure they (the fans) walked away proud and feeling like we are a football nation.”
“I think this group stage is wide open now after the Croatia-Morocco result.”
The North Americans, matching Belgium in formation by playing three at the back, made a bright start and Jonathan David’s low effort was deflected wide.
From the resulting corner, Tajon Buchanan’s strike was blocked by Yannick Carrasco with his arm and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check in the 11th minute.
But Davies produced a weak effort which was saved low to his right by Courtois, before David lashed the rebound over the crossbar.
