Batshuayi to rescue after Belgium are run ragged

Belgium Batshuayi 44 | 1 Canada 0

- Andy Hunter

One moment encapsulated Canada's first performance on the World Cup stage for 36 years. It came in the 48th minute of a cruel defeat by Belgium when Stephen Eustáquio, brimming with adventure, nutmegged Kevin De Bruyne and chipped an exquisite cross on to the head of Jonathan David. He headed wide from close range and Roberto Martínez's much-vaunted side were reprieved yet again.

Canada brought everything except a finishing touch. For John Herdman, their coach, who is from Consett in the north-east of England, it was an encouraging but punishing night against a team seeking to better their third-place finish in 2018.

Belgium were lethargic, on the back foot for much of the contest, but departed victorious courtesy of a polished finish by Michy Batshuayi. Canada had 21 attempts on goal to Belgium's seven but only three on target. One of those was an Alphonso Davies penalty, and that did not find its way past Thibaut Courtois either.

Belgium began the World Cup in a trance. They looked alarmingly pedestrian in comparison with opponents who were a blur of energy and incisive movement. Canada had qualified for their first World Cup finals since 1986 and only the second in their history with a brave approach built on pace and a high press.