World Cup 2022 top plays: Belgium takes 1-0 lead over Canada
The 2022 FIFA World Cup continues Wednesday on FOX with Belgium facing Canada at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar and we’ve got you covered with every must-see moment from start to finish!
A veteran Belgium roster that finished third in the 2018 World Cup looks to hold off a Canada squad full of top MLS talent. Belgium is slightly favored (-200 on FOX Bet) to win and will be led by Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who was a key part of the team’s run four years ago.
Canada, meanwhile, is still searching for its first World Cup win in its second appearance ever and first since 1986, entering 0-3-0 all-time.
You can watch this game and every match of the tournament on the FOX Sports family of networks — the tournament’s official English-language broadcast partner in the U.S. — and the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com. You can also stream full-match replays for free on Tubi.
Here are the top plays from Wednesday’s group stage action.
10′: Belgium gets the penalty save!
Canada star Alphonso Davies was awarded a penalty kick after a video review found that Belgium committed a handball penalty in the box. But Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been here before, and showed his experience with a full-extension save to keep Canada still looking for its first-ever goal in the World Cup.
Thibaut Courtois saves Belgium by blocking a penalty kick attempt
Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois makes an incredible penalty kick save against Canada after a handball call in the box in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
31′: Canada still can’t break through!
Canada had numerous shot attempts in the first half, including multiple on goal. But Canada’s attack didn’t find any success against Belgium’s back line and the 2018 World Cup Golden Glove winner Courtois.
38′: No-call benefits Belgium
Should a penalty have been called on Axel Witsel here? The referees ruled no.
44′: Belgium strikes first!
Michy Batshuayi converted a beautiful through pass to give Belgium a 1-0 lead just before extra time in the first half.
Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi scores goal vs. Canada in 44′
Did Belgium get away with another first-half penalty?
FOX Sports rules expert Mark Clattenburg and analyst Stu Holden believe that there was an error in a VAR check that should have resulted in a second penalty kick chance for Canada in the first half.
68′: Amazing shot-preventing slide!
Belgium looked to have a quality chance at extending its lead, but a perfectly-timed slide from Richie Laryea prevented Batshuayi from getting a shot off.
80′: Courtois AGAIN
The Belgian goalkeeper is once again showing out on the World Cup stage. Courtois made another big save off a Canada header to keep his team in the lead.
PREGAME SCENE
Canada looking to make history
Canada is not only searching for its first World Cup win or draw but also its first World Cup goal. The Canadians are also hoping a strong showing in Qatar can jump-start passion for soccer back home.
‘O Canada’ at the World Cup!
The Belgian and Canadian national teams sang their national anthems before the game, marking the first time ‘O Canada’ has been played at the World Cup since 1986.
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