Unconvincing Red Devils lucky to win as Courtois saves Davies penalty

Alphonso Davies missed a penalty for Canada as Belgium got their World Cup campaign off to a positive start with an unconvincing 1-0 win.

Having finished third in the 2018 finals and boasting talent such as Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Thibaut Courtois, Belgium have been tipped to go deep into the tournament once more.

But they had to settle for a scrappy 1-0 victory at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Michy Batshuayi’s strike on the stroke of half-time proving the difference as Canada failed to score despite having 22 shots on goal.

The North American’s missed from the spot as Bayern Munich forward Davies’ weak effort was saved by Courtois, before controversial official Janny Sikazwe turned down two further strong penalty shouts in the first-half.

The Zambian official came to prominence after twice blowing for full-time before the 90th minute in an Africa Cup of Nations fixture earlier this year and his decisions here left Canada tasting a bitter defeat.

Englishman John Herdman worked wonders to get Canada to their first World Cup since 1986 – becoming the first manager to coach teams at both the men’s and women’s World Cup in the process.

But his players certainly did not wilt under the pressure, often outplaying their European counterparts and putting down a marker in their attempt to qualify from Group F.

A strong start would pay dividends as a Tajon Buchanan shot from the edge of the box hit the arm of Yannick Carrasco, a penalty eventually awarded by Sikazwe after consulting his pitchside monitor.

After a long wait, Davies’ tame penalty was easily saved by Courtois and the rebound blazed over the top as Canada passed up a fine chance to take a shock lead.

A referee mishap could have cost Canada another penalty as Jan Vertonghen seemingly clipped Buchanan – only for the flag to go up for offside against the Canada winger despite the ball coming in from a stray Hazard backpass.

Hutchinson fired wide as Herdman’s men continued to hold their own against a side unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup group stage matches heading to Qatar.

Every time Canada went forward, they caused problems as Alistair Johnston went down under a strong challenge on the edge of the box before picking himself up and stinging the palms of Courtois with a driven effort.

Canada were denied another penalty after Axel Witsel tripped Richie Laryea – Sikazwe not pointing to the spot nor being guided to watch a replay by the VAR.

The seemingly inevitable sucker…