[월드컵 현장] ‘Bathhuayi goal and Courtois PK saves’ Belgium earn first win after beating hidden Canada

[골닷컴, 카타르 알 라이얀] Reporter Kim Hyeong-joong = Belgium, second in the FIFA rankings, defeated Canada to win the first match of the World Cup.

Belgium won 1-0 against Canada in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier held at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, near Doha, Qatar from 4:00 am (Korea time) on the 24th. Mickey Batshuayi’s opening goal at the end of the first half became the winning goal, earning 3 points in the first leg of the group stage.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez used a 3-4-3 formation. Courtoux and Goalkeeper Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Dendoncker, Witzel, De Bruyne, Carrasco, Castagne, Hazard, Batshuayi and Thielemans came out first. Canada is also 3-4-3. Goalkeeper Borian, Miller, Vittoria, Johnston, Lariera, Eustaquio, Hutchinson, Hoillet, Alfonso Davies, Buchanan and Jonathan David started.

Less than a minute after the start of the match, Batshuayi hit a shot due to a failed pass by the Canadian defence, but it headed straight at the goalkeeper. After that, Canada came out aggressive. In the 7th minute of the first half Buchanan’s right foot hit Carrasco’s arm. The referee awarded a penalty after VAR. Alfonso Davies kicked but was caught in a save by Courtou. Junior Hoillet missed in the 15th minute and Johnston in the 29th minute. Belgium also fought back. In the 44th minute of the first half, Batshuayi tripped and shot a long ball from behind, leading to the opening goal. The first half ended with Belgium leading 1-0.

The second half was also tight. Canada was busy attacking for the equaliser, and Belgium did not back down and launch a sudden attack. Canada had a decisive opportunity on 34 minutes of the second half. Cy Larin, who replaced a cross from the right, attempted an unmarked header, but Courtois blocked it. Canada was disappointed with her last minute decision. Belgium also fought back. Dendoncker’s header missed the goal in the 40th minute of the second half.

Canada ran for the equalizer until the end. But the last one didn’t come out. The game ended in a 1-0 victory for Belgium.