Michy Batshuayi of Belgium scores their first goal in the World Cup Group F match against Canada at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on November 23, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Getty
Michy Batshuayi of Belgium scores their first goal in the World Cup Group F match against Canada at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on November 23, 2022, in Doha, Qatar. Getty
Michy Batshuayi of Belgium scores their first goal. Getty
Michy Batshuayi of Belgium scores their first goal. Getty
Belgium forward Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring the first goal against Canada. AP
Belgium forward Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring the first goal against Canada. AP
Canada's Alphonso Davies has his penalty saved by Belgium's Thibaut Courtois. Reuters
Canada's Alphonso Davies has his penalty saved by Belgium's Thibaut Courtois. Reuters
Belgium's Thibaut Courtois saves a penalty missed by Canada's Alphonso Davies. Reuters
Belgium's Thibaut Courtois saves a penalty missed by Canada's Alphonso Davies. Reuters
Canada's Alphonso Davies misses a penalty. PA
Canada's Alphonso Davies misses a penalty. PA
Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save. AFP
Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save. AFP
Canada's defender Richie Laryea fights for the ball with Belgium's midfielder Yannick Carrasco. AFP
Canada's defender Richie Laryea fights for the ball with Belgium's midfielder Yannick Carrasco. AFP
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez reacts on the touchline. AFP
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez reacts on the touchline. AFP
Belgium midfielder Yannick Carrasco and Canada defender Richie Laryea battle. AFP
Belgium midfielder Yannick Carrasco and Canada defender Richie Laryea battle. AFP
Canada's Alphonso Davies tries to control the ball. AP
Canada's Alphonso Davies tries to control the ball. AP
Canada's Junior Hoilett in action with Belgium's Leander Dendoncker. Reuters
Canada's Junior Hoilett in action with Belgium's Leander Dendoncker. Reuters
Belgium's Jan Vertonghen in action with Canada's Tajon Buchanan. Reuters
Belgium's Jan Vertonghen in action with Canada's Tajon Buchanan. Reuters
Canada's Tajon Buchanan, left, and Belgium's Yannick Carrasco. AP
Canada's Tajon Buchanan, left, and Belgium's Yannick Carrasco. AP

World Cup

Batshuayi fires under-par Belgium to opening World Cup win over battling Canada

Roberto Martinez's side made to sweat for narrow Group F victory

AFP

November 23, 2022

  • English
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Michy Batshuayi's first-half goal proved enough for a below-par Belgium to squeeze to a 1-0 win over a Canada side playing their first World Cup match for 36 years on Wednesday.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Alphonso Davies' early penalty and Batshuayi opened the scoring against the run of play in the 44th minute.

John Herdman's Canada, roared on by their vocal support, also had another strong penalty appeal turned down and dominated the second half to no avail.

Belgium were without injured record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled throughout with the pace of Canada's forwards.

But the 2018 semi-finalists clung on to move top of what could prove a hotly contested Group F after Croatia and Morocco's goalless draw earlier on Wednesday.

Canada will head into their game against Croatia on Sunday still full of confidence after more than matching the team ranked second in the world, who next face Morocco.

The North Americans, matching Belgium in formation by playing three at the back, made a bright start and Jonathan David's low effort was deflected wide.

From the resulting corner, Tajon Buchanan's strike was blocked by Yannick Carrasco with his arm and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check in the 11th minute.

But Davies produced a weak effort that was saved low to his right by Courtois, before David lashed the rebound over the crossbar.

HOW BELGIUM QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group E) March 24, 2021. Belgium 3 (De Bruyne 22', T Hazard 28', Lukaku pen 73') Wales 1 (Wilson 10'): The world's No 1-ranked side recovered from falling a goal down to start their campaign with a win, with Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne among the scorers. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said: "We knew it was going to be a tough game and it became even harder in the moment we conceded the first goal. I'm pleased with the style of the performance." EPA
HOW BELGIUM QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group E) March 24, 2021. Belgium 3 (De Bruyne 22', T Hazard 28', Lukaku pen 73') Wales 1 (Wilson 10'): The world's No 1-ranked side recovered from falling a goal down to start their campaign with a win, with Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne among the scorers. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said: "We knew it was going to be a tough game and it became even harder in the moment we conceded the first goal. I'm pleased with the style of the performance." EPA
March 27, 2021. Czech Republic 1 (Provod 50') Belgium 1 (Lukaku 60'): Romelu Lukaku rescued a point for Belgium to make it 36 goals in his past 31 international appearances. Martinez said: "We didn't find our rhythm, or our level that we are used to. We needed to defend our box frequently. We created some good chances, but the draw is a fair result." Reuters
March 27, 2021. Czech Republic 1 (Provod 50') Belgium 1 (Lukaku 60'): Romelu Lukaku rescued a point for Belgium to make it 36 goals in his past 31 international appearances. Martinez said: "We didn't find our rhythm, or our level that we are used to. We needed to defend our box frequently. We created some good chances, but the draw is a fair result." Reuters
March 30, 2021. Belgium 8 (Batshuayi 14', Vanaken 17', 89'), Trossard 38', 75', Doku 42', Praet 49' Benteke 70') Belarus 0: Brighton's Leandro Trossard and Leicester's Dennis Praet scored their first Belgium goals in a crushing victory. The hosts had 21 attempts on goal. Martinez said: "I'm delighted with what I've seen from every player. I've seen players taking decisive roles, I was very pleased with the performance of the young guys and how this group works together." Getty
March 30, 2021. Belgium 8 (Batshuayi 14', Vanaken 17', 89'), Trossard 38', 75', Doku 42', Praet 49' Benteke 70') Belarus 0: Brighton's Leandro Trossard and Leicester's Dennis Praet scored their first Belgium goals in a crushing victory. The hosts had 21 attempts on goal. Martinez said: "I'm delighted with what I've seen from every player. I've seen players taking decisive roles, I was very pleased with the performance of the young guys and how this group works together." Getty
September 2, 2021. Estonia 2 (Kait 2', Sorga 83') Belgium 5 (Vanaken 22', Lukaku 29', 52', Witsel 64', Foket 76'): Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku moved up to 66 goals in 99 games for Belgium with a double as they came from behind to seal three points. "With the first goal, all credit should go to Estonia," said Martinez. "It was a great shot. That happens in football. But I'm pleased that we remained calm." AP
September 2, 2021. Estonia 2 (Kait 2', Sorga 83') Belgium 5 (Vanaken 22', Lukaku 29', 52', Witsel 64', Foket 76'): Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku moved up to 66 goals in 99 games for Belgium with a double as they came from behind to seal three points. "With the first goal, all credit should go to Estonia," said Martinez. "It was a great shot. That happens in football. But I'm pleased that we remained calm." AP
September 5, 2021. Belgium 3 (Lukaku 8', E Hazard 41', Saelemaekers 65') Czech Republic 0: Romelu Lukaku marked his 100th cap with an early goal that put Belgium on the way to an impressive win. Martinez said: "This game, having possession in the 'Belgian way', playing fast but smart, having the ball circulating a lot, was what I wanted to see. The players did exactly what I asked of them." AFP
September 5, 2021. Belgium 3 (Lukaku 8', E Hazard 41', Saelemaekers 65') Czech Republic 0: Romelu Lukaku marked his 100th cap with an early goal that put Belgium on the way to an impressive win. Martinez said: "This game, having possession in the 'Belgian way', playing fast but smart, having the ball circulating a lot, was what I wanted to see. The players did exactly what I asked of them." AFP
September 8, 2021. Belarus 0 Belgium 1 (Praet 33'): No repeat of the eight-goal battering Belgium dealt out to Belarus this time, with Dennis Praet's first-half goal sealing a narrow win. Martinez on injury-hit Eden Hazard's appearance as a substitute: “The fact that Eden wanted to come here, that he wanted to travel this far, knowing he couldn't play 90 minutes, shows that Eden is back on every level," AFP
September 8, 2021. Belarus 0 Belgium 1 (Praet 33'): No repeat of the eight-goal battering Belgium dealt out to Belarus this time, with Dennis Praet's first-half goal sealing a narrow win. Martinez on injury-hit Eden Hazard's appearance as a substitute: “The fact that Eden wanted to come here, that he wanted to travel this far, knowing he couldn't play 90 minutes, shows that Eden is back on every level," AFP
November 13, 2021. Belgium 3 (Benteke 11', Carrasco 53', T Hazard 74') Estonia 1 (Sorga 70'): Belgium sealed their spot in Qatar with a game to spare. Striker Christian Benteke, in for the injured Lukaku, scored the opener and hit the woodwork. Martinez said: "We did what we had to do. I would have liked to have scored the second goal in the first half. Apart from that, I am happy with the performance." AFP
November 13, 2021. Belgium 3 (Benteke 11', Carrasco 53', T Hazard 74') Estonia 1 (Sorga 70'): Belgium sealed their spot in Qatar with a game to spare. Striker Christian Benteke, in for the injured Lukaku, scored the opener and hit the woodwork. Martinez said: "We did what we had to do. I would have liked to have scored the second goal in the first half. Apart from that, I am happy with the performance." AFP
November 16, 2021. Wales 1 (Moore 31') Belgium 1 (De Bruyne 12'): De Bruyne's stylish early goal put Belgium ahead only for Kieffer Moore to equalise and seal a point that would take Wales into the play-offs in front of a jumping Cardiff City Stadium. Martinez said: "We congratulate Wales, they finished second. A fantastic atmosphere. We all wish that you have a fantastic draw in the play-offs." AP
November 16, 2021. Wales 1 (Moore 31') Belgium 1 (De Bruyne 12'): De Bruyne's stylish early goal put Belgium ahead only for Kieffer Moore to equalise and seal a point that would take Wales into the play-offs in front of a jumping Cardiff City Stadium. Martinez said: "We congratulate Wales, they finished second. A fantastic atmosphere. We all wish that you have a fantastic draw in the play-offs." AP

Belgium's ageing defence were struggling with the pace of the Canada attackers and Junior Hoilett got in behind before firing a shot wide.

The underdogs kept coming, as Courtois palmed away right wing-back Alistair Johnston's fierce drive and David headed off target.

Canada had a big penalty appeal turned down despite a VAR review when Axel Witsel was outpaced by Richie Laryea inside the area and then tripped his opponent.

Belgium grabbed the lead out of nothing when a simple long ball over the top from Toby Alderweireld found the run of Batshuayi who hammered home left-footed.

There was still time for Canada to create, and waste, another glorious opportunity before the break, as Laryea's low cross was fired over on the slide by Buchanan from six yards out.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez made a double substitution at half-time to try and stem the tide, with Thomas Meunier replacing Carrasco and Everton youngster Amadou Onana coming into the midfield.

Canada could have levelled just minutes after the restart, though, as David headed wide from Stephen Eustaquio's delicious cross after the Porto midfielder had nutmegged Kevin de Bruyne.

Herdman's men continued to flood forward, but could not find the finishing touch required, with Buchanan miskicking horribly from the edge of the box.

The more men Canada committed, the more dangerous Belgium looked on the break and Laryea made a wonderful last-ditch tackle to deny Batshuayi a second goal.

Substitute Cyle Larin, the top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying for the tournament, headed too close to Courtois in a frantic finale.

De Bruyne could have put the game to bed but blazed into the crowd, while Larin sent another header spinning over Courtois' bar as Belgium fell over the line.

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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
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Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
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Faisal Al Ketbi (Open weight and 94kg)
Talib Al Kirbi (69kg)
Omar Al Fadhli (56kg)

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Khalfan Belhol (85kg)
Zayed Al Mansoori (62kg)
Mouza Al Shamsi (49kg women)

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Saood Al Hammadi (77kg)
Said Al Mazroui (62kg)
Obaid Al Nuaimi (56kg)
Bashayer Al Matrooshi (62kg women)
Reem Abdulkareem (45kg women)

Updated: November 23, 2022, 9:29 PM
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