Belgium managed to overcome a spirited Canada side in a 1-0 victory in their Group F opener at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Coming into their first World Cup since 1986, the Canadians showed why they’re one of the fastest improving nations, with the squad being prepared for hosting the 2026 showpiece.
The nation’s poster boy Alphonso Davies, currently starring for Bayern Munich had the chance to give them the dream start, being awarded a penalty in the tenth minute.
But the World’s number two ranked side showed their defiance as Thibaut Courtois saved the effort and held firm with a barrage of attacks and chances for most of the half.
For all the endeavors, a long-ball from a counter saw the Red Devils take the lead on the break of half-time through Michy Batshuayi.
Roberto Martinez’ side improved in the second half, but it was still Canada creating the better of the chances, but it wasn’t to be, as the 2018 third-placed side picked up the only win of Group F for the day.
Morocco and 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia played to a 0-0 draw in their Group F opener at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The Atlas Lions arrived in Qatar as one of the real hopes for Africa to progress beyond the group stage, despite being paired alongside Croatia, Belgium, and 2026 World Cup hosts Canada – in what many dubbed as the Group of Death.
With a core of Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Yousef En-Nesyri the status of their players, on paper, could hold up to the world’s best and they displayed that under head coach Walid Regragui in an organised display.
The former Al Duhail coach who won the CAF Champions League and Botola Pro last season with Wydad Atheltic Club set up a 4-3-3 formation, set to play on the counter and they limited the Europeans to just three shots on target.
Noussair Mazraoui went closest to opening the scoring in the second half with a diving header, but the Bayern Munich wing-back injured himself in the process.
