The Canadian footballers must continue to wait for their first sense of achievement at a World Cup. They were not rewarded for their courageous performance against the favorite Belgians.
Canada’s footballers had a lot of fun at the start of what was only their second World Cup mission, but once again went away empty-handed. On Wednesday evening (November 23, 2022) at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, the “Ahornblatter” lost 0-1 (0-1) against the Belgians, who are among the extended group of favourites. Bad luck from penalties and their own weakness in the finish cost the Canadians a well-deserved point. After the goalless World Cup premiere in 1986, it would have been the first ever on the big football stage.
The Belgians failed to prove their class over long stretches. Against the passionate style of the Canadians, the “Red Devils” lacked both playful solutions and the composure to keep events under control. Until the final whistle, the 2018 World Cup third had to worry about the three points and the lead in Group F. Vice world champions Croatia had previously drawn 0-0 against Morocco.
Martínez: “We have to improve” – Herdman proud of his team
Belgium coach Roberto Martínez tried to take positives from his minimalists’ slow start. “What we had to do, we did,” he said. “We know we didn’t play well and we need to improve.” Canadian coach John Herdman mourned a missed opportunity but praised his team: “We’re proud of our performance. The players have shown that they can survive on this stage.”
Courtois saves a penalty from Davies
The Canadians didn’t even think about hiding from the start – and they almost had their first World Cup moment after just ten minutes. After extensive consultation with his video assistants, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe penalized Yannick Carrasco’s handball when Tajon Buchanan attempted to shoot. Penalty for Canada! Alphonso Davies, who, in contrast to the Belgian star striker Romelu Lukaku, reported fit in good time after an injury, started. But the Bayern professional’s poorly placed low shot was prey to Real keeper Thibaut Courtois (10′). The great chance for the Canadians’ first World Cup goal was gone.
Foul by Witsel – Canada is denied a penalty
It was amazing how long it took the experienced Belgian defense to tame the briskly attacking, strong tackle outsiders and to bring a basic order into their own game. Especially with the lightning fast Davies the defense had a lot of trouble. After a pass from Eden Hazard, Michy Batshuayi got into a good finishing position for the Belgians in the 23rd minute, but was blocked. Canada responded a little later with a promising attack down the right flank, but Courtois saved Alistair Johnston’s powerful shot (30′).
The Belgians were lucky that referee Sikazwe didn’t point at least one more time before the break. In the 21st minute there was a wrong decision for offside after a back pass from Hazard, which is why a subsequent foul in the Belgian penalty area could not be checked by the VAR team. Later, Axel Witsel hit Richie Laryea on the foot, who was pushing towards the baseline, but the team of referees decided against a penalty (40′).
Batshuayi turned the game upside down with the 1-0
Basically, a kick-and-rush attack was enough for the Belgians to take the lead. Defender Toby Alderweireld hit a long ball into the top, where Batshuayi escaped his defenders and clarified (44′). 14-4 shots on goal for Canada but 1-0 for Belgium – the result at the break must have been a slap in the face for coach Herdman’s team.
Canada with passion, but weak in the end
Even after the restart, Canada pressed so high that the Belgians – now with Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier in defense – continued to have trouble structuring their game from within their own half. How long would the North American kickers last this exhausting game? A long time, because her incredible team spirit seemed to inspire her again and again.
It was significant how the Canadians celebrated a rescue operation against Batshuayi, who was ready to shoot (67th). Assist provider Kevin de Bruyne, who owed a lot in this game, acknowledged his team-mate’s missed chance with a resigned shrug. Canada kept running but weren’t forceful enough in the finish, like Cyle Larin’s header, which Courtois safely intercepted (80′). Belgium did little to amplify the result but held the narrow lead over time.
On Sunday (November 27, 2022 / 2 p.m. CET) Belgium will now meet Morocco, for Canada it will not be easier against Croatia (11 a.m.).