Canada is one of the foreign teams in this World Cup. Because the North Americans are in Qatar for only the second time at the World Cup. 36 years have passed since the premiere in Mexico in 1986. It will come as no surprise to anyone that the team will opt for a cautious and wait-and-see strategy when returning to the world stage, especially in the duel with Belgium, the current world No. 2. But coach John Herdman decided to take a different approach. A brave, aggressive one.

The Canadians attacked the Belgians early, disrupting the build-up game and repeatedly linking themselves in the end position. When Tajon Buchanan fired a shot at Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian goal in the ninth minute, the ball bounced off the outstretched arm of Yannick Carrasco and, after watching video, referee Jenny Sikazwe awarded the Canadians a penalty. But Alphonso Davies, the star in the Canadian team as a Bayern player, failed with his weak effort at Courtois and missed his chance to enter the history books.

A goal would have made Davies the first goalscorer in Canada’s World Cup history. Because in the 1986 premiership, Canada was left without a win and a goal. This was the best chance for the Canadians, although in the latter two controversial shots, penalties could have been settled.

The 21:9 shot ratio in Canada’s favor also reflects who had the majority of the game. But it also reflects the greatest shortcoming of North Americans. ability. The Fenerbahçe striker proved that same efficiency is his forte when Micky Batsui converted the largely disappointing Belgium’s first good chance just before half-time.

Basel’s Liam Miller fired into the lead from the 81st minute for the Canadian team, which will face runners-up Croatia on Sunday.

Telegram and Ranking

Belgium 1-0 Canada (1-0)

Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan. – 40’432 viewers. – SR Sikazwe (Zambia). – Target: 44. Batshuayi 1-0.

Belgium: Courtois; Dandonker, Aldervierl, Vertonghen; Castagne, Tielemans (Onana 46), Witsel, Eden Hazard (Trossard 62), Carrasco (Meunier 46); Batshuayi (78th Openda), De Bruyne.

Canada: Borjan; Johnson, Victoria, Miller; Larrea (74th Adekugbe), Hutchinson (58th Cone), Eustaquio (81st Osorio), Davis; Buchanan (81st Miller), David, Hoilett (58th Larin).

Comments: Belgium without Lukaku (injured). Canada Complete. 11. Davis fails with a penalty on Courtois. Booking: 9 Carrasco, 53 Meunier, 56 Onana, 81 Davis, 83 Johnson.

Ranking: 1. Belgium 1/3 (1-0). 2. Croatia 1/1 (0-0). 2. Morocco 1/1 (0-0). 4. Canada 1/0 (0-1).