TheCable

Belgium required a first-half goal to overcome Canada in their opening World Cup encounter on Wednesday.

Mitchy Bashuayi scored the solitary goal against a spirited Canada side in their second-ever World Cup appearance since their first stint 36 years ago.

Canada matched Belgium in the early exchanges and forced a penalty from Yannick Carasco’s handball.

Alphonso Davies however saw his spot-kick saved by Thibaut Courtois before Belgium took the lead just before the halftime through Bashauyi’s well-placed shot.

Both sides huffed and puffed in the second half but neither was able to add to the scoreline as Belgium claimed all three points that moved them to the top of Group F.

Earlier in the day, Japan served up another upset with a 2-1 win over Germany.

The Samurai came from a goal down to deliver a victory sealed via two late goals.

Ilkay Gundogan scored from the penalty spot in the first half before Ritsu Doan slotted home the rebound to level matters.

Substitute Takuma Asano lashed a shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle to score what proved to be the winner on 83 minutes.

Spain however avoided embarrassment to thump Costa Rica 7-0 to begin their World Cup campaign.

Ferran Torres scored twice while Marco Asensio, Dani Olmo, Carles Soler, Gavi and Alvaro Morata scored to complete the rout.

Morocco also held their own in a goalless draw against Croatia.

RESULTS

Morocco 0-0 Croatia

Germany 1-2 Japan

Spain 7-0 Costa Rica

Belgium 1-0 Canada