Jakarta (ANTARA) – Belgium have temporarily topped Group F of the 2022 World Cup with three points after beating Canada narrowly 1-0 at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar on Thursday morning WIB .

Belgium’s only goal was scored by Michy Batshuayi from a hard kick inside the Canadian penalty area after taking advantage of Toby Alderweireld’s long pass in the 43rd minute.

The loss forced Canada into last place with zero points.

In this match, Belgium was more dominant by registering 54% of ball possession and taking 9 kicks, including three on target.

On the other hand, even though Canada lost in possession percentage, they took more shots with 22 kicks, three of which were on target.

In the first half, Canada took the initiative to attack first and had the chance to take the lead after earning a penalty after Yannick Carrasco hand-balled the ball into the Belgian box.

Alphonso Davies, who came on as the executioner, failed to fulfill his duties after his low kick was chased away by Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois.

After playing under pressure, Belgium tried to get up and managed to score a goal in the 43rd minute after a long ball from Alderweireld was met by Batshuayi.

Batshuayi, who moved between two Canadian defenders, managed to shoot hard into the Canadian penalty area and the ball was not cleared by goalkeeper Milan Borjan so the score was 1-0 which lasted until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Canada took the initiative to attack more and tried to find an equalizer and Belgium made occasional threats, but nothing came of it.

During the 45 minutes of the second half, Canada multiplied the threats against Belgium, but until the long whistle, the score remained 1-0 for the Red Devils victory.

Elsewhere, Belgium will face Morocco in the Group F match on Sunday (27/11), while Canada will serve against Croatia on the same day.

This news was published on Antaranews.com with the title: Michy Batshuayi’s goal lifts Belgium above Canada