Canada pushed Belgium all the way in the opening game of the World Cup, and the result was a hard fought victory for the Belgians.
Alphonso Davies had a first-half penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois and Canada was wasteful in front of goal.
Canada were undone against the run of play on the stroke of half-time when Michy Batshuayi collected Toby Alderweireld's long ball and fired a powerful left-footer past Milan Borjan.
Jonathan David had a great chance to draw Canada level, but he missed. Canada had two presentable penalty appeals ignored in the first half, leaving them with a sense of injustice.
Despite a performance that made a mockery of their status as second in the world rankings, Canada was able to push forward in the second half.
Canada's poor finishing saved them from being knocked out of the World Cup by Germany.
The 'Golden Generation' of Belgium may have left their best days behind them.
Canada's attacking play made Belgium look ragged, tired and vulnerable to the pace and energy of the Canadians.
There was an air of desperation about some of their play as Canada dragged Belgium to all parts. The speed and intensity of Canada was too much for them.
Belgium can perform much better than this and have main strikers Romelu Lukaku and Michy Batshuayi to return up front but this was a tired looking effort and the coach, who is under pressure to bring success to this group, will be relieved to come out of this game with three
Canada was supported by thousands of fans inside Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Canada's fans gave their team a standing ovation at the end of the game despite the fact that they did not score a goal.
Canada were fearless from the start, showing vulnerability in Belgium's defence and the fact that they should be considered one of the World Cup favorites.
They had Belgium on the run, but they missed out on a chance when Courtois saved Davies' penalty after the ball was thrown. It was to be the turning point.
Canada made nearly all the running in this game but when the chances came they couldn't take, leaving them at the mercy of one moment of quality from Belgium, which duly arrived with Batshuayi's goal.
Canada refused to take a backward step, even after this setback, but main goal scorer David could not make the most of a clear headed opening in the second half.
Canada can be proud and hopeful from this performance. They haven't scored a goal in four World Cup games, but there was so much to like about their performance.
The Canadians were matched with Belgium in all areas except for the strike.
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