While relieving the injured Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi scored the match-winning goal in Belgium’s 1-0 victory over Canada. While Canada was the better team for a majority of the game, the favorites made significant adjustments at halftime and were able to hold onto the lead.
Thibaut Courtois – 8
Courtois got off to a flying start after Canada won an early penalty. Alphonso Davies’ effort was not the best of attempts, but the goalkeeper still made a great diving save to keep the score level.
Toby Alderweireld – 8
Alderweireld played a pivotal role for Belgium, making several impressive defensive stops as Canada pushed for an early goal. He also sent a beautiful Route One ball in to Batshuayi to create the opening goal.
Leander Dendoncker – 7.5
Dendoncker was crucial to Belgium’s late retention of the ball. He distributed well from deep and brought a needed physical presence to the backline.
Jan Vertonghen – 6
The defender won a handful of aerials, but his one-on-one defending was not great in the first half. However, his form improved as Belgium changed its tactics during the second 45.
Timothy Castagne – 7
After Carrasco left the pitch, Castagne rotated from the right side to the left. He played a defensive wing-back role, holding down the channel effectively.
Yannick Carrasco – 5
On the defensive side of the ball, Carrasco had difficulty against Tajon Buchanan. The winger created several chances for Canada and forced the defender to play a more reserved role. The wing-back’s poor showing resulted in his removal at halftime.
Youri Tielemans – 5.5
During his 45 minutes on the pitch, Tielemans did not greatly effect his side. At one point, he made a brilliant run to the far post, but Kevin De Bruyne failed to see the midfielder.
Axel Witsel – 8
From the central midfield, Witsel distributed the ball exceptionally well. He provided a solid defensive presence in front of the backline and was one of Belgium’s better players.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6
Early on, De Bruyne missed a wide open pass to Tielemans on a breakaway attempt, wasting one of Belgium’s few first-half chances. The midfielder looked out of sorts on the day and struggled to complete passes in the final third.
Eden Hazard – 7
While Hazard’s distribution was not at its best, the attacking midfielder was one of the few Belgium players creating opportunities. He played well between the lines and constantly looked to progress the ball vertically.
Michy Batshuayi – 7.5
With Lukaku out with an injury, Batshuayi started the match as Belgium’s number nine. The 29-year-old operated as a poaching forward, firing off several shots, including a brilliant goal to put Belgium in front.
Shots:
Belgium 4-14 Canada
Goals:
Belgium 1-0 Canada pic.twitter.com/J4FRGiYFyT
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 23, 2022
Substitutes
Thomas Meunier – 6
After entering at halftime, the defender almost immediately received a yellow card, neutralizing his physicality.
Amadou Onana – 6.5
Onana also picked up a yellow card soon after entering play, but he was still able to provide an attacking spark in the midfield.