Michy Batshuayi scored the match-winning goal in the first half to propel World No.2 Belgium hand a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Canada in the second Group F match of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022. Canada, making their return to the world cup after a gap of 36 years, endured a frustrating defeat as Batshuayi-led Belgium edged by the slightest margin to hand them an opening setback.

John Herdman’s Canada missed a vital opportunity in the first half as Alphonso Davies failed to convert a penalty. Belgium’s goalkeeper dived in the right direction to deny Canada an early lead. Canada, fresh from the misery of missing the penalty, suffered another setback when Batshuayi fired the ball into the far corner of the net off Toby Alderweireld’s assist. Herdman’s side then dominated the second half but to no avail as they could not fire an equalizer and Belgium ran away with the victory.

Following the victory, Belgium occupied the top spot in Group F standings as the earlier contest between Croatia and Morocco ended in a goalless tie, while Canada sank to the bottom after an opening defeat. Canada will now take on Croatia on Sunday (November 27), while Belgium will face Morocco on the same day.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP