Michy Batshuayi struck a first-half goal as Belgium opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Canada here late on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 29-year-old Fenerbahce striker gave the European side the lead on the stroke of halftime when he thumped a first-time effort into the far corner following a counterattack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Canada were denied an early lead by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who dived low to his right to keep out an Alphonso Davies' penalty, reports Xinhua.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result extended Belgium's unbeaten record in the World Cup group stage to 13 matches, a run that dates back to 1998.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Canada, playing on football's biggest stage for the first time since 1986, continue their search for a first World Cup goal. On Wednesday's form, they will be odds-on to break their duck against Croatia or Morocco in their remaining group matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Canada took the initiative from outset at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha, rushing forward in numbers and unsettling a Belgium defense that was repeatedly caught off guard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The North American side appeared set to take the lead in the 10th minute when referee Janny Sikazwe awarded a penalty for a Yannick Carrasco handball. But Courtois was equal to the task, comfortably saving Davies' resultant spot-kick.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Belgium's defence was under siege and Courtois again came to the rescue by denying Richie Laryea with his right leg after another threatening Canada foray.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Roberto Martinez's men struggled to maintain possession, with midfielder Kevin De Bruyne often drawn deep into his own half, blunting his attacking threat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Belgium struck against the run of play when Alderweireld floated an inch-perfect pass into the path of an onrushing Batshuayi, who sent an unstoppable shot past Milan Borjan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Canada squandered another scoring opportunity in second-half stoppage time as Tajon Buchanan's sliding shot from point-blank range sailed over the bar after Laryea's cross from the right flank.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Canada continued to rattle Belgium's defence after the restart and Stephen Eustaquio found Jonathan David with a pinpoint cross only for the striker to misdirect his header at the far post.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Bruyne's influence grew as the match progressed, even if his teammates couldn't capitalize on his sublime vision and passing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Batshuayi failed to get a clean shot away after the Manchester City midfielder's probing run and cross, and the striker was again at fault when De Bruyne's dangerous long-range pass bounced out of play off his shin.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Bruyne's influence grew as the match progressed, even if his teammates couldn't capitalize on his sublime vision and passing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n