A first-half goal from on Wednesday. Batshuayi’s goal gave Belgium a 1-0 victory over a Canadian team playing in their first World Cup match in 36 years.
Alphonso Davies’s initial penalty was saved by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and Batshuayi scored against the flow of play in the 44th minute.
Canada, led by John Herdman, was cheered on by their fervent supporters. They also had a strong penalty appeal denied, and they dominated the second half to no avail.
Belgium’s record scorer Romelu Lukaku was out because of an injury, so they had a hard time keeping up with Canada’s forwards’ speed.
However, despite Croatia and Morocco’s goalless draw earlier on Wednesday, the 2018 semifinalists held on to their position at the top of what could prove to be a highly competitive Group F.
After surpassing the second-ranked team that will play Morocco next, Canada will be confident going into Sunday’s matchup against Croatia.
From the resultant corner, Taejon Buchanan’s strike was blocked by Yannick Carrasco with his arm, and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check in the 11th minute. The North Americans made a bright start, matching Belgium in formation by playing three at the back.
However, Davies made a weak attempt that Courtois saved low to his right before David slammed the rebound over the crossbar.
Junior Hoilett got in behind the Canadian attackers and shot wide of the goal because Belgium’s aging defense was having trouble keeping up with their speed.
The long shots continued to come, as Courtois palmed away traditional back Alistair Johnston’s furious drive and David headed off target.
When Axel Witsel was outpaced by Richie Laryea inside the area and then tripped his opponent, Canada had a big penalty appeal denied despite a VAR controversy.
Belgium got the lead from nothing when a straightforward long ball over the top from Toby Alderweireld found the run of Batshuayi who pounded home left-footed.
Laryea’s low cross was deflected by Buchanan from six yards out, allowing Canada to create and then waste another glorious opportunity before the break.
To try to stem the tide, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez made two substitutions at halftime: Thomas Meunier replaced Carrasco, and Everton youngster Amadou Onana entered the midfield.
But just minutes after the game started, David headed wide from Stephen Eustaquio’s delicious cross after the Porto midfielder had nutmegged Kevin De Bruyne. Canada could have tied the game.
Buchanan missed a terrible kick from the edge of the box as Herdman’s men continued to flood forward, but they were unable to achieve the necessary finishing touch.
Laryea made an excellent last-ditch tackle to deny Batshuayi from scoring a second goal as Belgium looked more dangerous on the break as Canada committed more men.
In a frantic finale, substitute Cyle Larin, the tournament’s top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying, got too close to Courtois.
De Bruyne nearly put the game out of reach but blazed into the crowd, and Larin sent a second header over Courtois’ bar as Belgium crossed the goal line