Belgium spoils Canada's return

Kevin De Bruyne threw his hands up in disgust as another pass went astray. Eden Hazard was easily knocked off the ball. Michy Batshuayi was hauled off by his angry coach after a lazy flick to no one at all.

Belgium didn't live up to the hype of being the second-ranked team despite starting the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday. Thibaut Courtois saved an early penalty and Batshuayi scored the only goal at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to spoil the North American team's return to the tournament after 36 years.

Aside from the result, there was little for the Belgians to celebrate, with De Bruyne — one of the world's best players — mocking the decision to name him player of the match. "No, I don't think I played a great game," a miserable-looking De Bruyne said after being told of his award. "I don't know why I got the trophy — maybe it's because of my name."

Belgium's aging team was outplayed at times by Canada, which has yet to collect a point or even score a goal in four World Cup matches — including the three games from its debut in 1986. This should have been the game the Canadians broke that run.

Alphonso Davies, the star of Canada's team, squandered the best chance when his penalty was blocked by Courtois, one of 21 shots taken compared to Belgium's nine. "They showed tonight they do belong here," Canada coach John Herdman said of his players.

One moment of class in the 44th minute wound up deciding the game. It wasn't from one of De Bruyne's brilliant through-balls or Hazard's mazy dribbles, but instead a simple long ball over the top of Canada's defense by center back Toby Alderweireld. It split the defense and Batshuayi ran through, letting the ball bounce twice before guiding a left-footed finish into the far corner.

"Delighted that, without being ourselves, we won the game," Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said. Martinez said it was his team's worst performance on a technical level since he took charge more than six years ago. "But was it the worst game?" he added.

The absence of Romelu Lukaku — a prolific scorer and big presence up front — is a huge blow to Martinez, with Batshuayi failing to impress as his backup aside from his well-taken goal. Lukaku, who has a left thigh injury, could potentially miss the entire group stage. (AP)