Belgium-Canada 1-0: goals from Batshuayi, Courtois saves a penalty from Davies

There are clear, indisputable victories. And those that are as ugly as they are precious. The success of Balegio, who beat Canada 1-0, falls into this category. Roberto Martinez’s team seems less competitive than the one they admired in recent reviews, but they take three very precious points in the round of 16 key. Also because the Canadians would have deserved at least the same.

THE MATCH

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The regret for the team that finished ahead of Mexico in its qualifying round and confirms that it has reached a good level, is having finished a dominated first half down 1-0. Batshuayi, Lukaku’s deputy, scores in the last action by taking advantage of a throw from behind by Aldeweireld and a collective sleep, which began with the hole in Vitoria and continued with two too contemplative centre-backs. Previously Canada had wasted at least 4 chances, both due to inaccuracy in shooting and incorrect choices. The most sensational is the penalty that Davies lets Courtois save in the 10th minute, granted with the Var because the mediocre referee Sikazwe does not see Carrasco’s hand. In truth Canada deserved a second penalty: the action that leads to the foul on Laryea is not tainted by offside: the touch that triggers everything is in fact by Eden Hazard, who now has the autonomy of a player at the end of his career.

EQUILIBRIUM

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In the second half, Canada’s push, protagonist of a time with really high pressure and well executed, fades. David eats a header. Courtois saves on Larin. But Belgium finished better than they started and took the three points, with the very clear impression that this lap is not racing. Canada remains in contention, also for the tie between Morocco and Croatia. But if the concreteness remains that seen tonight, he will soon return home.