(Subedited by Riley Finch)
Belgium marked a record eight consecutive group stage wins as the y overcame Canada in a challenging start to life in Group F.
Michy Batshuayi scored the only goal of the game minutes before half-time in after firing past the Canadian keeper after receiving an audacious long pass from Toby Aldeweireld.
It was an excellent finish by the 29-year-old who was brought in to replace the injured Romelu Lukaku.
Although Roberto Martinez’s team won the opening match, they had a rough time against the Canadians.
Canada was awarded a penalty kick just minutes into the match after the ball was seen to hit Yannick Carrasco’s arm.
The heartbeat of Canada’s team, Alphonso Davies, stepped up however the poorly taken penalty was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Junior Hoilett also came close soon after but the ball flew just wide.
The Canadians made a few more attempts as they stepped up the game to beat the Red Devils; however, were unable to breakdown an experienced Belgium side.
In the second half, Belgium had the opportunity to kill the game off with Canadian legs growing tired but they lacked a killer edge.
Batshuayi had a great chance to score his second of the game but his hesitation to convert a brilliant pass from his teammate allowed the Canadian defence to cover and heroically block the shot.
The result leaves Belgium top of Group F and the Canadians harshly at the bottom.
Belgium will face Morocco for their second match, while Canada will have to face another European superpower in Croatia on Sunday.
