Canada’s hopes of advancing at the World Cup were dealt a blow following a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Belgium on Wednesday.
A goal in the 44th minute by Michy Batshuayi stood up as the game winner for Belgium, who at times seemed caught off guard by Canada’s attack.
A hand ball in the ninth minute of play offered Canada a chance to take the early lead, but when Alphonso Davies stepped up for the kick and struck the ball, his shot was not quite wide enough, allowing Belgian ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois to make the save. Canadian teammate Jonathan David and Davies then both went for the rebound, but the shot went high and over the goal.
Canada had the most shots of any team in a half without a goal since 2006, with 14 to Belgium’s four.
Canada’s next game will come Sunday against Croatia at 11 a.m. ET before closing out group play against Morocco on Thursday, Dec. 1.
