Michy Batshuayi Helps Belgium Limp To Victory Against Unlucky Canada

Michy Batshuayi's first half goal was enough for Belgium in a labored 1-0 victory over a persistent Canada at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday night.

Canada, who were making their first appearance at the World Cup in 36 years, dominated the game and were unlucky to miss a first half penalty.

Alphonso Davies stepped up to take the spot kick but Thibaut Courtois was equal to the task to make a save and keep the Belgians in the game.

The miss means that Canada have still never scored a goal at the FIFA World Cup but look as though they will break that duck in Qatar.

Canada will rue their missed chances against a lackluster Belgium side who looked far from their best throughout the match despite the host of experience on the pitch.

Captain Eden Hazard was bright from the start but seemed to fall off as the game progressed and Kevin De Bruyne was nothing close to the electric player we are used to.

Belgium have Canada's poor finishing to thank for the fact they avoided the fate of Argentina and Germany in falling victim to a World Cup shock.

Jonathan David wasted a glorious headed chance to draw Canada level and Courtois also saved from Cyle Larin.

Canada were also left nursing a sense of injustice after they had two presentable penalty appeals ignored in the first half and were unlucky to lose the match.

Brighton's star player this season, Leandro Trossard came on to replace Hazard later in the game and came close to putting the game to bed but saw his effort rise over the bar.

Belgium now take charge of Group F with 3 points, two more than Croatia and Morocco who played out to a barren draw earlier in the day.

Roberto Martinez' side will play Morocco on Sunday afternoon as Croatia seek to win their first game with a match against Canada later on the same day.