Canada holds big edge in shots but falls to Belgium in World Cup return
Thibaut Courtois saved an early penalty kick, and Michy Batshuayi scored in the 44th minute as Belgium beat Canada 1-0 at the World Cup on Wednesday, spoiling the North American team’s return to the tournament after 36 years.
The Canadians have yet to collect a point or score a goal in four World Cup matches, which includes the three games from their 1986 debut.
Still, they outplayed second-ranked Belgium at times at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, with Alphonso Davies — the star of Canada’s team — squandering the best chance when his penalty was blocked by Courtois.
Canada had 21 shots compared to the nine of Belgium, a well-established team filled with veterans. The Canadians had 14 first-half shots, the most by a team in one half at the World Cup without scoring in 16 years.
Belgium often relied on the long ball from the back, and that tactic led to its goal. Center back Toby Alderweireld split the defense with his pass, and Batshuayi ran through to guide a left-footed finish into the far corner.
■ Spain 7, Costa Rica 0: Not since Pele in 1958 had someone as young as Gavi scored a World Cup goal. The 18-year-old midfielder led the way as Spain pulled off its most decisive World Cup victory.
Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres each scored a goal in the first half. Torres, Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata added to the lead in the second. Olmo’s goal was the 100th at World Cups for Spain.
With Gavi and 19-year-old Pedri starting, Spain became the first European nation with two teenagers in the starting lineup of a World Cup match in 60 years.
Costa Rica looked overwhelmed in its third straight World Cup campaign, failing to get a shot on goal.
Pele scored two goals in the 1958 final, when Brazil won its first World Cup by beating Sweden 5-2.
■ Morocco 0, Croatia 0: Morocco stifled a 2018 finalist by containing captain, Luka Modric, who won the best player award at the most recent World Cup when he led Croatia to the final before losing to France.
Paris Saint-germain star Achraf Hakimi had the best chance for Morocco with a thumping second-half shot punched away with both fists by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Modric, 37, is playing in his fourth and final World Cup, where he’s looking to add a Croatia title to his trophyladen career with Real Madrid.