Canada showed the footballing world that they should not be considered minnows anymore, after an unlucky 1-0 loss to Belgium in the World Cup.
However, the Canadians will hugely disappointed after letting a superb chance, of at lease getting a draw, pass them by.
They dominated large parts of the game, finishing with 22 shots to Belgium's nine (18 of which were in the box), 2.61 xG, a missed penalty, three big chances missed, and 11 shots off target.
They also had two more legitimate penalty claims in the first half, while Alphonso Davies' miss from the spot after 10 minutes means that they have yet to score in a World Cup.
The performance of Thibaut Courtois must also be mentioned, as he reinforced his claim as the world's best keeper with a masterful display between the sticks.
Given how mediocre Croatia looked earlier in their 0-0 with Morocco, Canada may very well live to regret this result and this enormous missed opportunity against the group favourites and the no. 1 ranked team in the world.
How Did Canada Lose????
Canada we’re robbed! Belgium looks so lethargic. Can’t see them going far after that pic.twitter.com/iosUBi8eX9
— James Allcott (@jamesallcott) November 23, 2022
All over Belgium, missed one penalty, should have had another two given to them and somehow losing 1-0 at half time.
Canada hasn't been this screwed over since Survivor Series 1997. pic.twitter.com/0N8FQj6iGF— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 23, 2022
Canada's kryptonite 🙅♂️ pic.twitter.com/3nBooEPnA1
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 23, 2022
READ HERE: World Cup : Didi Hamann Criticises "Unprofessional" Rudiger For Antics In Japan Defeat
After the match Belgium manager Roberto Martinez gave his thoughts on the game, and praised his side 'grit and experience.'
"Today was such a difficult game, Canada were better than us in what we wanted to do. They came to the tournament with an incredible celebration, great emotion, what we expected. This Canada team has a lot of pace and directness.
"To be fair, we had to show another side of our play. I'm delighted because we won the game through grit and experience through the quality of our goalkeeper who kept us in the game by saving the penalty, many elements. I think the victory today is more important than when you play well."
SEE ALSO: World Cup : Roy Keane And Graeme Souness Clash In Heated Debate Over Argentina Penalty
