Maple Leaf falls despite heroic effort

Belgium’s heralded Golden Generation laboured to victory in their opening World Cup game as they were pushed all the way by an outstanding effort from Canada.

Canada saw plenty of the ball and dominated large portions of this Group F game but came up short where it counted most, missing a penalty when Alphonso Davies had his effort saved by Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois also had to save well from Alistair Johnston, but the talented Belgians took the lead with a wonderful strike from Michy Batshuayi who capitalised on a pass from Toby Alderweireld’ to send the ball fiercely beyond Milan Borjan.

Canada had two decent penalty claims rejected in the first half and forced the pace throughout.

Canada deserved more from this battle and the Belgians will hope to develop and grow as the tournament evolves.

They will be very grateful for the hard-won victory and have now not lost an opening match in their last seven World Cup appearances.

Canada can take great credit from the game as their opponents have now won eight in a row with their last group stage defeat coming all the way back in 1994 when they lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia.

Belgium have won 11 of their last 13 World Cup matches and have not failed to score in their last 12 World Cup group stage matches, since a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands in 1998.

Canada were backed by thousands of noisy fans inside Ahmad bin Ali Stadium who gave their team a rich ovation at the final whistle after a performance in which they did everything but score the goal they fully deserved.

Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson (39y 288d) has become the second oldest outfield player ever to make an appearance in the FIFA World Cup (Cameroon’s Roger Milla 42y 39d remains the oldest)

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