On Wednesday 36 years after making their inaugural appearance the Canadian men’s national team played against Belgium at World Cup. In that game, Canada put in an admirable performance against Belgium. However, Canada edged by Belgium was the result of today’s game.
Canada Edged by Belgium as Alphonso Davies Missed a Penalty
We take the lead in our group! 🔝 #BELCAN #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/7dpme5KmK2
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 23, 2022
It wasn’t a result they were looking for as despite getting outperformed by Canada Belgium took the lead in the 44th minute thanks to Michy Batshuayai who was able to split two Canadian defenders and beat Milan Borjan for the lone goal of the game.
Batshuyai had come in for the injured Romelu Lukaku who was confirmed by Roberto Martinez that he was going to miss the first two games. John Herdman gave his thoughts on the game and was disappointed with the result but is looking ahead to Croatia.
“It was a wonderful performance.” Herdman said. “You need to take three points and we had an opportunity to be top of the group that was the mission and we missed it but I am proud of the performance and the lads put in an effort and showed they belonged on this stage.”
Strong Start for the CanMNT
Canada got off to a very strong start catching the Belgians off guard and dominating in possession and early chances but Belgium hung in.
“I think they made the fans proud and proved they belonged here and after the game, I showed them the stats and told them they belonged here and our next mission is Croatia.”
10’ #DEVILTIME’s Thibaut Courtois makes the save on #CanMNT’s Alphonso Davies penalty! #TSN#BELvCAN | 0-0 | #FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/7IAJXbl4U0
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) November 23, 2022
Alphonso Davies who is Canada’s superstar had a unique opportunity in the first half when Canada was awarded a penalty due to a handball in the box and Davies grabbed the ball and tucked it under his arm. He was then denied by world-class Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
“This tournament is all about getting three points,” Davies said. ” Playing the second-best team in the world is not easy but I think we came out here and did our best and we showed that we belonged on this stage and that we can play at this level.”
Games Coming Up for the CanMNT
READ MORE: The 2022 CanMNT World Cup Preview: Looking to Make History
Canada had a unique opportunity with Belgium missing their best player and with the result of a 0-0 draw between Croatia and Morocco but will now look to Sunday to get that first-ever Canadian goal at a World Cup. They have shown that they have the quality to win games, just like when they beat Japan 2-1 in a FIFA friendly.
Canada will now face Croatia on November 27 at 11:00 AM ET before ending their group stage games in Group FC against Morocco on December 1 at 10:00 AM ET. Both games will be televised live in Canada on TSN and CTV and will also be televised live on RDS.
