World Cup

Belgium 1-0 Canada: “Hazard don finish” – Nigerians slam Real Madrid, Bayern Munich stars in Red Devils’ narrow win

Nigerian fans took no prisoners as they watched the Belgians laboured to a narrow win over the Canadians

Belgium began their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a slender 1-0 win over Canada in a Group F clash in front of 40,432 spectators inside the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.

In a match with several highlights but few goals, Belgium would consider themselves lucky to claim all three points against the dogged Canadians.

Canada enjoyed most of the ball possessions and won a penalty in the early minutes, only for Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies to miss the resultant kick.

The Concacaf representatives could have had two more penalties in the first half. However, Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard had the referee and the linesman to thank for overlooking their errors.

And former Chelsea man Michy Batshuayi made Canada pay for their missed chances, scoring what turned out to be the winner – his 29th goal for his nation – shortly before the halftime break.

Nigerian-born defender Samuel Adekugbe came off the bench to make his World Cup debut for Canada, but former Super Eagles’ interest Ike Ugbo did not make it to the pitch.

But despite Canada’s best efforts after the break, Belgium held firm for their first win in Qatar.

Nigerian fans reactions

Several Nigerian fans, however, vented their frustrations with some players’ displays on the social media website Twitter.

One of the players who received a lot of flak from Nigerians was Eden Hazard.

While Hazard was nowhere near his best version, the Belgian captain still delivered a decent performance.

But one poor Hazard back pass nearly led to a penalty for Canada, and a Twitter user felt the Real Madrid man was past his prime.

Another user recommended that Hazard be donated to Nigeria’s Super Falcons instead of captaining Belgium.

Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies was also not spared after the defender missed the chance to hand Canada an early lead from the penalty spot.

Referring to Germany’s shocking defeat to Japan earlier in the day, a user wrote, “Instead of Alphonso Davies to rest in the afternoon and focus on demma match against Belgium, he went to Germany hotel to console Musiala, Canada coach should comort him from the match.”

There was recognised applause, though, for Canada and their daring style of football.

Belgium, with the win, go to the top of Group F following Morocco’s drab draw with Croatia in the other group match on Wednesday afternoon.

This post was last modified on November 23, 2022 10:43 pm

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Kvaratskhelia or Yunus Akgün? Victor Osimhen speaks on his preferred teammate

Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor James Osimhen, refused to pick a side when he… Read More

50 minutes ago

17-year-old Nigeria-eligible defender pens professional deal with Chelsea

Teenage English sensation, Olutayo Peter Subuloye, has penned his first professional contract with two-time UEFA… Read More

3 hours ago

Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge boss reveals why Super Eagles star was not selected for Union Saint-Gilloise draw

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not dressed up for Club Brugge's league game against… Read More

3 hours ago

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dances in the face of racist insults in Lecce

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

5 hours ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

5 hours ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

6 hours ago