PLAYER RATINGS | Belgium 1-0 Canada – Red Devils pick up nervous win over spirited Les Rouges | OneFootball

Belgium picked up a nervous 1-0 win over a very spirited Canada side in a performance which wasn’t the most convincing one from Roberto Martinez’s side.

While it was a first half Michy Batshuayi goal that proved key for Belgium, Canada had a penalty to take the lead in the early stages of the game. But Alphonso Davies couldn’t find the back of the net. The Canadians also had a couple of genuine penalty calls that were denied by the referee and VAR.

Playing without Romelu Lukaku, Belgium had a largely unimpressive performance where their defence was exposed regularly and Canada’s lack of a final ball let them down.

Key performers

Kevin de Bruyne, 7 – While the Manchester City man did fail to pick out two runs from Youri Tielemans, he was the key for Belgian when it came to joining the midfield and attack. He carried the ball into the final third with purpose, even though he didn’t always look at his best.

Youri Tielemans, 3 – Apart from failing to defend against Davies, Tielemans often left too much space behind him off the ball. In possession, he was often too further forward and spoiled some balance that Belgium wanted to have.

Stephen Eustaquio, 7 – The midfielder gave an excellent account of his abilities. He was key in helping his side build from the back and transition quickly from back to front.

Full ratings

Belgium -1

Thibaut Courtois – 7

Leander Dendoncker – 5

Toby Alderweireld – 6

Jan Vertonghen – 4

Yannick Carrasco – 5

Axel Witsel – 5

Youri Tielemans – 3

Timothy Castagne – 5

Eden Hazard – 6

Kevin de Bruyne – 7

Michy Batshuayi – 6

Canada: 0

Milan Borjan – 5

Alistair Johnston – 6

Steven Vitoria – 5

Kamal Miller – 5

Alphonso Davies – 7

Stephen Eustaquio – 7

Atiba Hutchinson – 7

Sam Adekugbe – 6

Tajon Buchanan – 6

Junior Hoilett – 7

Jonathan David – 6

2022 World Cup, Group F, 23/11/22

GWFN