Despite being the better side, Alphonso Davies’ missed penalty saw Canada fall 0-1 to Belgium in their first World Cup match since 1986. The Canadians were in fine form during the first 45 minutes, but a lapse in concentration saw them concede a sudden goal. At halftime, Belgium made several tactical adjustments, and the underdogs were unable to recreate their first-half magic.
Milan Borjan – 6.5
Borjan’s distribution helped create numerous attacks for Canada, and Belgium struggled to test the goalkeeper, putting just three shots on target.
Steven Vitoria – 7
In a true no-nonsense role, Vitoria at one point blasted a clearance into the stands from the centre of the pitch. He had a decent match, but he let Michy Batshuayi get by him on Belgium’s first-half goal.
Kamal Miller – 8
Miller’s strong play prevented several Belgium chances on counter attacks. He won many challenges against Timothy Castagne and gave the Belgians significant trouble in the right channel.
Alistair Johnston – 4
As the left-sided centre-back, Johnston made two big errors in the first half. One turnover nearly gave Belgium a lead within the first five minutes, and the defender appeared lost throughout the match.
Richie Laryea – 6.5
Laryea made several offensive ventures in the first half, but after Timothy Castagne took over as the left wing-back, he was unable to generate as much offense.
Junior Hoilett – 6
After an active start to the match, Hoilett’s play rapidly declined. He lost possession multiple times and was unable to pass the ball accurately in the second half.
Atiba Hutchinson – 7
In the defensive midfield, Hutchinson put in a quality shift for his side. He won a few tackles and helped break up play in the midfield, but he left the match in a like-for-like change in the second half.
Stephen Eustaquio – 6.5
Eustaquio played as Canada’s deep-lying midfielder, sending long balls into dangerous areas for the underdogs. He had some nice moments from open play, but his delivery from set pieces was unimpressive.
Alphonso Davies – 6.5
At times, Davies was the best player on the pitch, and at others, he made baffling mistakes. The winger dazzled on the left wing, combining beautifully with Eustaquio, but he also took a poor penalty and tried to do too much on occasion.
Tajon Buchanan – 7
In the first half, Buchanan was one of the best players on the pitch, creating several chances for Canada when cutting inside from the wing. However, like the rest of the team, his influence waned significantly in the second half.
Jonathan David – 4.5
The prolific forward had a difficult day, taking seven shots but putting none of them on target. In the first half, he selfishly took an ill-advised attempt for himself, rather than finding a wide-open Laryea in the box.
Canada deserved better ? pic.twitter.com/BD0SMGwLRf
— GOAL (@goal) November 23, 2022
Substitutes
Ismael Kone – 7
Kone played well in relief of Hutchinson, but it was bizarre to see the defensive midfielder come on when Canada desperately needed a goal.
Cyle Larin – 6
Usually a prolific scorer for the national team, Larin got into the right positions, but he was unable to finish any of his chances in relief of Hoilett. The forward really should have been in the starting 11.