[ad_1]
Canada would’ve won if not for Belgium’s Courtois – www.espn.com – SOCCER
AL RAYYAN, Qatar — Despite a spirited effort from Canada in their first World Cup appearance since 1986, Belgium won the opener of Group F on Wednesday, 1-0, thanks to three big saves from Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and at least one missed penalty call that should’ve gone in Canada’s favour.
Canada had an early opportunity to take the lead after being awarded a penalty kick inside of 10 minutes, but Alphonso Davies’ effort was blocked by Courtois. Canada has still never scored a World Cup goal. Just before the end of the first half, Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi scored off a long ball.
Here is ESPN’s Julien Laurens with reaction and analysis from Qatar.
JUMP TO: Player ratings | Best/worst performers | Highlights and notable moments | Post-match quotes | Key stats | Upcoming fixtures
Rapid Reaction
1. A cruel but proud night for Canada
Football can be cruel sometimes — and the Canadians, in their first World Cup match since 1986, certainly experienced that against Belgium.
Unlike other teams in this tournament, they showed no nerves from the opening whistle. They played attacking football with movement, intensity and passion, pushed by the noise and the support of the 10,000 Canadians inside the Hamad Bin Ali Stadium. The game plan of their manager John Herdman was spot on: No time on the ball for Kevin De Bruyne or Eden Hazard, pressing high and utilising the width of the pitch well.
Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!
Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Wild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!
Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.
Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!
SlotJar Safe Online Casino
Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Play Securely at LucksCasino.com
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.
The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:
- Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
- High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
- Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
- Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
- Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
- Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.
This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.
Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.
At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.
Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.
In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.
In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.
Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.
At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.
We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.
As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.
So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!
Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Book of the Dead Online Slot: Book of Dead is a popular online slot game that has become a favorite among many players. Here are some advantages of playing the Book of Dead slot game: High Jackpot: The Book of Dead slot game offers a maximum jackpot of up to 250,000 coins, which is a considerable amount that can be won with just one spin. Free Spins: The game offers a free spins feature, where players can win additional spins without having to wager any additional money. This can increase the chances of hitting the jackpot or other significant payouts. Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.Stephen Eustaquio (what a player) and the veteran Atiba Hutchinson — 39 years old, the oldest player in this World Cup and only member of the squad alive For Canada’s last World Cup appearance in 1986 — bossed the midfield. They created chances and generated 2.35 expected goals, or xG, for Canada against just 0.58 xG for their opponent.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denies Alphonso Davies from scoring the first World Cup goal in Canada’s history. Julian Finney/Getty Images
Canada were the better team for most of the game, and can be proud of themselves — but they will have regrets. One defensive mistake on Toby Alderweireld’s long ball and they conceded a goal just before the break. As Nelson Mandela used to say: “You never lose. You win or you learn.”
This Canada team should have learned a heck of a lot against Belgium.
2. Courtois, king of pens and Belgium’s saviour
Without him, Real Madrid would not have won the Champions League last season and Belgium would not have made a winning start in this World Cup.
Courtois came big again for his country, like so many times in the past, saving Davies’ penalty after 11 minutes confirming that he is the king of pens. In 2022, he has saved five spot kicks off the nine he faced — that’s an impressive 55.55% ratio of saved penalties, and by far the highest in Europe. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, he has faced 22 penalties and saved six — but four of those six have happened in 2022.
– World Cup 2022: News and features | Schedule | Squads
Courtois made another save a bit later on in the match on an Alistair Johnston shot from a tight angle, and a comfortable one in the second half on a Cyle Larin header that was one of Canada’s best chances of the night.
In what was a very poor performance by Belgium, Courtois was the only light, really. The rest was so poor — the third team of the last World Cup was not a threat going forward, struggled defensively and conceded chances and dangerous situations.
It was very unconvincing and laboured from Belgium — but when you have the current best goalkeeper in the world, it makes your life much easier.
3. An off night for Hazard and De Bruyne
We wanted to see Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne take the field for different reasons.
For De Bruyne, the task was to be the conductor of this Belgian side, to take control of the game and be the creative force. Instead, he got pretty much everything wrong. He forgot a free Youri Tielemans twice in the first half. Just after the hour mark, he wasted a great counter attack with a poor ball for Batshuayi and later blasted his shot in a good position over the bar.
2 Related
It was a performance very unlike the KDB we’ve come to know at Manchester City, perhaps in large part because the supporting cast around him is not of the same level than the one he has at his club but still: we expect more from him. It is his role to carry this team.
For Hazard, the aim was to show that, even short of match fitness, he could still have an impact on a game like this one. Alas, despite a couple of good touches and turns, the display from the captain was not good enough.
He came off after 60 minutes with no chances created, only 76% of accurate passes and only two successful dribbles. He was fouled four times though, which showed that there is still some life in him but it is not enough right now.
Manager Roberto Martinez has been very loyal with the 31-year-old who rarely plays at Real Madrid, keeping him in the team at all cost. It is unlikely he will drop him for the Morocco game on Sunday but Hazard, like De Bruyne, will be under pressure to do better than against Canada.
Player ratings
Belgium: Courtois 8, Dendoncker 5, Alderweireld 6, Vertonghen 4 ,Castagne 5, Tielemans 3, Witsel 4, Carrasco 4, De Bruyne 4, Hazard 4, Batshuayi 6
Subs: Onana 5, Openda 4, Meunier 4, Trossard 4
Canada: Borjan 5, Johnston 6, Vitoria 5, Miller 6, Hoilett 6, Larin 5, Hutchinson 7, Eustaquio 7, Laryea 6, , Buchanan 6, Millar 5, Davies 6, David 5
Subs: Osorio 5, Kone 5, Adekugbe 5
Best and worst performers
BEST: Stephen Eustaquio, Canada
The Porto midfielder bossed this game until his replacement after 81 minutes. The 25-year-old Eustaquio was everywhere, recovering the ball nine times and creating two chances for his team while playing with intensity, intelligence and flair. This has been his breakthrough season in Portugal and against Belgium he showed again how talented he is.
WORST: Youri Tielemans, Belgium
It was a tough night for the Leicester midfielder, so much that his manager decided to take him off at half time to bring on Amadou Onana. Tielemans simply had no impact on the game, finding himself positioned too high, only making 13 passes in 45 minutes, hardly any forward. It was a really disappointing performance.
Highlights and notable moments
Canada came out from the first whistle with intensity and pace, and they put the pressure on Belgium immediately. It seemed Canada would come out in front soon when a hand ball was called in the 10th minute.
Alphonso Davies, the Bayern Munich full-back and leading man for Canada, stepped up to the spot, but Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continued his recent run of good form on saving penalties, and he denied Davies.
Pero ¿qué te pasó @AlphonsoDavies?
#CAN aún no puede gritar GOL en esta #FIFAWorldCup
EN VIVO por @peacock https://t.co/ixOa12NKts#MundialTelemundo #ElMundialLoEsTodo #BELvsCAN pic.twitter.com/ZjRv0WrRs7
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 23, 2022
Canada had been dominating the first half and were the far more dangerous side, even beyond their missed penalty chance. Through the 43rd minute, Canada’s expected goals (xG) was 1.81 while Belgium’s was only 0.15.
But soccer or football — whatever you want to call it — is a funny game: a team can be the “worse” side but still be the side winning. With a long lofted ball over the top in the 44th minute, Michy Batshuayi put Belgium ahead 1-0 against the run of play.
BATSHUAYI PUTS BELGIUM OUT IN FRONT pic.twitter.com/s6ED21MAYH
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 23, 2022
After the match: What the managers said
Canada coach John Herdman on the result: “Proud of the performance, but you need to take three points from your first game. We had the opportunity tonight to be top of the group — that was the mission — and we missed it. But I’m proud of the performance. As I’ve said, these lads put a shift in and showed they can live on this stage. I think they made the fans proud and it made them feel like they belong here, and that was important for us.”
Herdman on what he told his players after the match: “I just showed them the stats. I showed them they belong here. I told them they belong here, and we’re gonna go and ‘F’ Croatia. That’s as simple as it gets. That’s our next mission now.” (Editor’s note: Canada is in Group F for the World Cup.)
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez on the win: “Canada deserved to be better than us in the way they played. I think the result reflects the things that we had to do and the way we defended for each other and took our chance. It’s a win and we need to play better and to grow. We’ve been here five days, we have to grow with these games. Many top teams are losing games.”
Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information)
Canada is the first team since 1978 to attempt 20+ shots (22) and a penalty kick and not score at a World Cup game.
Canada’s 2.59 expected goals (xG) against Belgium is the highest expected goals total to be shutout this tournament.
Canada is the first team to attempt at least 14 shots in the first half but not score a goal and trail at halftime in a World Cup match since 1986.
Belgium’s starting 11 against Canada had an average age of 30 years and 181 days. That is the oldest starting 11 in a 2022 World Cup game yet, and the oldest for Belgium since June 20, 1998 against Mexico.
Up next
Belgium: Group F resumes on Sunday, Nov. 27, where Belgium will face Morocco at 8 a.m. ET. Then, Belgium faces Croatia on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. ET.
Canada: Group F resumes on Sunday, Nov. 27, where Canada will face Croatia at 11 a.m. ET. Then, Canada faces Morocco on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. ET.
[ad_2]
#Canada #wouldve #won #Belgiums #Courtois