Belgium vs Canada LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction after Michy Batshuayi hits winner
Belgium 1-0 Canada: Michy Batshuayi scores glorious winner to sink impressive Canada
Belgium kicked off their World Cup 2022 campaign by sneaking past a determined Canada in their opening Group F fixture. Despite being outplayed for most of the game Roberto Martinez’s side took the lead just before half-time through Michy Batshuayi’s left-footed strike.
Yet sometimes the scoreline simply does not tell the whole story. Semi-finalists in 2018, the top-ranked team in the world for more than three years, Belgium duly beat a Canada side absent from this stage since 1986. Most expected them to; just not like this because Belgium were dismal in victory, Canada marvellous in defeat.
Canada were denied by moments of brilliance in either penalty box, whether Michy Batshuayi’s wonderful winner or Thibaut Courtois’ terrific penalty save. The points will go to Roberto Martinez, but the plaudits should belong to John Herdman, whose underdogs made this a memorable occasion.
In 2022, as in 1986, Canada are pointless and goalless in the World Cup 2022 but, from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, from the 49th parallel to the Arctic Circle, theirs was a performance to be proud of.
Relive all the action from Belgium vs Canada with our live blog below:
Where to watch Spain vs Costa Rica?
The match will kick off at 4pm GMT on Wednesday 23rd November at the Al Thumama Stadium. It will be shown on ITV 1, with coverage starting at 3.10pm.
Germany say Fifa ‘denied us a voice’ after covering mouths in statement at World Cup
Germany claim Fifa “denied us a voice” after their players covered their mouths in a World Cup statement before their Group E match with Japan.
It is the latest development in the row with the world’s governing body over the “One Love” initiative, with Fifa censoring Germany and other teams in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.
The four-time World Cup winners lined up for the photo opportunity on the pitch before the Group E match at the Khalifa International Stadium, collectively covering their mouths.
Germany say Fifa ‘denied us a voice’ after covering mouths in statement at World Cup
Fifa have threatened unspecified sporting sanctions against players who wear the rainbow band
Spain vs Costa Rica early team news and predicted line-ups
Spain have no reported injury concerns following Jose Gaya’s withdrawal. The defence looks settled, with Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres and Jordi Alba at the back, while Sergio Busquets, Gavi and Pedri should start in midfield.
Alvaro Morata will continue as Spain’s number nine, with Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati competing to start alongside him in attack. Pablo Sarabia, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams are all contenders for a place, though.
Predicted line-ups:
Spain: Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, P Torres, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; F Torres, Morata, Fati
Costa Rica: Navas; C Martinez, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Tejeda, Bennette, G Torres; Borges, Contreras, Campbell
Spain vs Costa Rica
There are two games from the Fifa World Cup happening this afternoon/early evening as Spain and Costa Rica go head-to-head in Group E before Belgium kick off their Group F campaign against Canada in the late match.
Luis Enrique’s Spain face a tricky time of things in a group that also features Germany and Japan but they will put qualification to the knockout stages firmly within reach if they defeat Costa Rica this afternoon.
The Spaniards have a nice mix of youth and experience to call upon which should put them in good stead for the tournament. Costa Rica, meanwhile are hoping to emulate their performance from the 2014 World Cup which saw them reach the quarter-final stage where they lost to the Netherlands in a penalty shootout.
Qatar 2022 has already throw up some surprising results - Saudi Arabia are still celebrating their win over Argentina - and Costa Rica have the chance to cause another upset. So to do Canada who take on Belgium in today’s final fixture.
They qualified top of the Concacaf table ahead of Mexico and the USA but are up against the World no. 2 who hope to better their third placed performance in Russia four years ago.
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