FIFA World Cup Match Preview: Belgium vs Canada

Group F

Belgium vs Canada  

Match preview

Could this be the last hurrah for coach Roberto Martínez with Belgium’s crème of the crop seeing as his contract ends in June next year?

What will answer that burning question is their FIFA World Cup campaign as a lot rests on whether the Spanish-mentor is finally able to deliver silverware for a group of players that have been together since they were teenagers.

A lot of them are in the twilight of their careers now and will fall off from the squad list for the next global showpiece in four years’ time.

Belgium made the qualification process look routine, winning six of the eight games and ending the campaign without defeat.

They are among the favourites at this Qatar tournament, while Canada are appearing at a World Cup for the first time in 36 years with an exciting team of emerging young talent already signed to top European clubs – among them Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies.

This group also includes Morocco and Croatia, who are both no pushovers.

Team News

Belgium

There was confirmation from coach Roberto Martínez during his pre-match press conference that striker Romelu Lukaku will miss this Group F opener against Canada because of a persistent thigh injury.

Lukaku got hurt playing for his club Inter Milan back in October, but was still selected despite doubts he could be ruled out for the first two matches – Martínez is clearly hopeful the top goal scorer with 68 goals from 102 caps can shake it off.

In that same news conference, the coach also added that defenders Thomas Meunier and Jan Vertonghen were also undergoing late fitness tests.

Canada

They also have some injury setbacks of their own, notably that of veteran goalkeeper Milan Borjan because of an abdominal muscle concern.

His absence would rob the Canadians of his experience between the posts as well as his leadership in their first World Cup fixtures since 1986.

Davies was also a doubt, but news coming out of Qatar is that the defender insists that he is fit to play against Belgium.

“I'm feeling good, I've been working to come back, and I've taken good care of myself,” the Bayern full back said of the injury that forced him off the pitch while playing for his club in a league match earlier this month.  

Players to watch

Age: 31

Club: Manchester City (England)

Arguably one of the most consistent players in world football and still comes into yet another competition as a key man for his side.

De Bruyne scores goals, assists and is an all-out match winner as proven by his form at his English club Manchester City, where he has won four Premier League titles under manager Pep Guardiola.

His task, among others, is to add a national team title to his club achievements.

Age: 22

Club: Lille (France)

The young striker is one of the key man for Canada and has an impressive record of 22 goals in 35 matches for the national team.

He arrives at the World Cup enjoying some good form having found the back of the net nine times from the 15 games with French Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

David started three of the four friendly matches for the national team in the lead up to this opening game, so he look set to lead the line.