Canada took it to Belgium and still came away with nothing

It’s a cruel game sometimes

Many observers expected Canada to lose its World Cup opener to Belgium, but not like this.

Canada took the game to the Europe heavyweights, but could not find a decisive final touch when it was most needed. Alphonso Davies was the guiltiest party, as his early penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium, meanwhile, scored against the run of play when an opportunistic long ball over the top near the end of the first half found Michy Batshuayi, who slammed a shot home for the game’s only goal.

Final score: 1-0, in a cruel return to the big time for the Reds.

Canada, playing its first men’s World Cup game since 1986, is left down but not out after Morocco and Croatia drew in the other Group F game on Wednesday. But John Herdman’s side will need to be more clinical in its next two games, or its World Cup return will be a short one.

Canada squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead just 10 minutes in. After a VAR review Belgium was penalized for a handball in the box, sending Davies to the spot.

But Courtois went down low to his right to deny Davies, who didn’t produce his best effort with the chance to score Canada’s first ever goal at a men’s World Cup.

Belgium took advantage against the run of play when Toby Alderweireld found Batshuayi, who took advantage of Canada’s high line to power a shot past Milan Borjan.

Canada had plenty of scoring chances, ending the game with 22 total shots. But only three were on target, including Davies’ penalty.

Herdman’s men did themselves proud on the night, but frustratingly came away empty-handed. Now they’ll need a similar performance, only with goals, on Sunday against Croatia.

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