Belgium Group F Matchday 1, Michy Batshuayi's Winning Goal
Canada Misses Penalty Kick, Strong Performance Against Top Team
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Belgium, challenging for the 2022 Qatar World Cup title, secured a 1-0 victory over Canada. Canada, by putting up a strong fight against the European powerhouse Belgium, emerged as a dark horse in this tournament.
Belgium won 1-0 in the Group F opening match held on the 24th (Korean time) at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, with a winning goal by Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce). Belgium, which reached the semifinals in the 2018 Russia World Cup, is a European powerhouse aiming for the championship in this tournament.
Belgium is aiming for the title based on the so-called golden generation, including Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) and Eden Hazard (Real Madrid).
On the other hand, Canada has been classified as a weak team in football, having never won a match in the World Cup until now. However, Canada showed considerable skill in this tournament, emerging as a variable in the Group F competition.
In particular, Canada dominated the game with 21 shots compared to Belgium's 9. Canada attempted a penalty kick in the 10th minute of the first half, but Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) saved it, preventing Canada from scoring the opening goal.
Canada continued to attack persistently, but Belgium's goal remained tightly guarded. Meanwhile, Belgium's Batshuayi became the hero of the match by converting a ball from the back into a goal with a left-foot volley, scoring the winning goal of the game.
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