Michi Batshuayi’s goal helps Belgium win the World Cup for Canada

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved an early penalty from Alphonse Davies and Batshuayi opened the scoring in the 44th minute against a run-off play.

John Herdman’s Canada, roaring with their vocal support, turned down another strong penalty appeal and the second half was to no avail.

Belgium was without injured record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled with Canada’s forward pace.

But 2018 semi-finalists Croatia and Morocco are stuck at the top of what could prove to be a hotly-contested Group F following Wednesday’s first goalless draw.

“Was it technically our ‘worst game’, yes, when you measure performance,” admitted Belgium coach Roberto Martinez. “Was it the ‘worst game’, no, because we won.

“We defended well and we needed our goalkeeper.”

Canada will be full of confidence heading into their game against Croatia on Sunday after drawing more than the second-ranked team in the world, who face Morocco.

Herdman, the first coach to lead teams to the women’s and men’s World Cups, said, “They showed tonight they belong here. It’s been a long time since we came back.”

“I’m sure they (the fans) walked away proud and feeling we are a footballing nation.

“I think this group stage is now wide open after the Croatia-Morocco result.”

The North Americans made a bright start, matching Belgium in formation playing three at the back and Jonathan David’s low effort was deflected wide.

From the resulting corner, Tajon Buchanan’s strike was blocked by Yannick Carrasco with his hand and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check in the 11th minute.

But Davies had a weak effort which was saved low by Courtois to his right before Davies rebounded over the crossbar.

Belgium’s aging defense struggled with the pace of the Canadian attackers and Junior Hoilett fell behind before firing a shot wide.

The underdogs kept coming, as Courtois turned away right wing-back Alistair Johnson’s fierce drive and David headed wide of the target.

– War Brawl –

A huge Canadian penalty appeal was turned down despite a VAR review after Axel Witsel was fouled inside the area by Richie Larrea and then tripped his opponent.

Belgium took the lead to naught when a simple long ball from Toby Alderweireld got the run to Batshuayi, who smashed home left-footed.

There was still time for Canada to create and waste another great opportunity before the break, as Leria’s low cross was volleyed in by Buchanan on a slide from six yards.

Martínez made a double substitution at half-time to try and stem the tide with Thomas Meunier replacing Carrasco and Everton youngster Amadou Onana coming in in mid-field.

Canada could equalize minutes after the restart, however, as David Stefan headed wide from Eustaquio’s delicious cross after the Porto midfielder nutmegged Kevin De Bruyne.

Herdman’s men continued to press forward but could not find the necessary finishing touch, Buchanan missing badly from the edge of the box.

The more men Canada committed, the more dangerous Belgium looked on the break, and Larrea produced a spectacular last-ditch tackle to prevent Batshuayi from conceding a second goal.

Substitute Kyle Larin, top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying for the tournament, went too close to Courtois in a frantic finish.

De Bruyne could have finished the game but flares erupted into the crowd, while Larrinne sent another header curling over the Courtois bar as Belgium went off the line.