Of BZ/dpa
Belgium battled to a flattering win in their first match at the World Cup in Qatar. 2018 World Cup bronze medalist around star player Kevin de Bruyne beat Canada 1-0 (1-0) on Wednesday night at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rajjan.
Former BVB striker Michy Batshuayi scored the goal of the game for the Red Devils shortly before half-time (44th minute).
The Canadians performed well in their first World Cup match in 36 years, but they weren’t rewarded. Bayern professional Alphonso Davies started the game in front of 40,432 spectators for the North Americans, but missed a penalty in the tenth minute. The 22-year-old had healed his torn muscle fibers in time.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saves Canadian Alphonso Davies from the penalty spot Photo: picture alliance/dpa
Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier came on for Belgium at half-time.
In the first match of Group F, Croatia and Morocco previously drew 0-0.