If there was any doubt of Canada's ability to perform at the 2022 World Cup, it was immediately washed away in their opening loss to Belgium.
"I just told (the team) they belong here," Canada coach John Herdman said after the game. "And we're going to go and 'F' Croatia next. It's as simple as that."
Making their first World Cup appearance since 1986, Canada gave everything they had against a tough Belgium team, ultimately falling 1-0 in their opener. The Red Devils came to Qatar ranked No. 2 in the world and the favorites to win Group F, but did not have an easy day at the office against the pesky Canadians.
Despite the result, the energy from the young Canadian squad was abundant throughout. The performance by Herdman's crew amplified the already-prominent buzz around the team, going toe-to-toe with a team that has topped the FIFA rankings for the last few years.
"We showed the world what we want out of this tournament," Canada defender Steven Vitoria said after the loss.
You don't have to listen to just the Canadian side either. Belgium coach Roberto Martinez had high praise for Canada, calling them the better team in his postgame interview.
MORE: When is Canada vs. Croatia?
"It was a tough game," Martinez said. "Canada has a lot of pacy players. They were simply better than us. Belgium need to play better because we didn’t play well tonight."
While Canada and Belgium each ended with three shots on goal, the Canadians had more shot attempts than their opponent, recording 22 shots to Belgium's nine. And the chances were there for Canada to convert, but they could not solve the puzzle that was Thibaut Courtois.
In the 10th minute, they were awarded a penalty kick, which star Alphonso Davies could not convert thanks to a sensational stop from the Belgian goalkeeper.
Watch in Canada:
Davies misses from the spot!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/UWFzWwvzyi
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 23, 2022
Watch in USA:
BLOCKED BY COURTOIS
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 23, 2022
The search for a first-ever men's FIFA World Cup goal continues for Canada pic.twitter.com/M3v0ClUOfZ
Les Rouges should have had another penalty called in the first half, but it appears it was missed by both the official and VAR. Courtois made another solid stop on a header from Cyle Larin in the 80th minute.
Canada's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage remain very much alive. With Croatia and Morocco playing to a draw and both still needing to play Belgium, it puts Canada in a good position, despite the opening loss. Wins over the two other Group F members would give Canada six points, however that doesn't guarantee an automatic spot in the next round.
While the quest for the team's first World Cup win (and first World Cup goal) continues on, Canada isn't going anywhere, and they just made a massive statement to the rest of the world that the hype is real.
Belgium 1, Canada 0. But, man, Canada belong at the World Cup.
— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) November 23, 2022
Herdman and his staff are world class — he’s grown a national team that should be taken seriously by anyone moving forward. https://t.co/Aa6ZuEfoTj
— Jed Davies (@TPiMBW) November 23, 2022
Sports aren’t fair and Canada got a lesson in that today. Not about what you deserve. Better team all game and nothing to show for it. We move on to Sunday. 🇨🇦
— David Rowaan (@Dave_Cards) November 23, 2022
If you come away from a World Cup match against one of the best teams in the world absolutely gutted that you didn't get a win never mind a point then you've played one hell of a game. #CanMNT deserve so much credit but their firepower wasn't in full force today.
— AFTN (@aftncanada) November 23, 2022
Sad for the Canadians and the result but incredibly proud of the press, the chances created, and the belief in each other. Still in pursuit of that first men’s WC goal. #CanadaSoccer
— Erin Grand (@eringrand) November 23, 2022
Today, we showed the world what #WeCan do on the biggest stage.
— Sebastian Pereira (@sebpereira_) November 23, 2022
Today, we showed we belong.
Today, of all the glorious days we’ve experienced, I’ve never been more proud of this national team.
Onto the next. 🍁#CanMNT
I don’t say this as a sports reporter, I say this as a Canadian: We should have beat the second-ranked country in the world.
— Danny Austin (@DannyAustin_9) November 23, 2022
If you think we’re done, you don’t know us. It’s only getting started
Some thoughts on Canada:
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) November 23, 2022
1. What an effort.
2. Miller and Laryea were beasts.
3. Need to find a guy who can deliver a set piece.
4. Laryea should have been awarded a first half penalty.
5. Davies isn’t close to 100%.
6. Johnathan David needs to wake-up.
On to Croatia.
So proud of this team. They left it all on the field. Beautiful work out there. #WeCAN 🇨🇦 https://t.co/uFGZZqonmg
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 23, 2022
Result aside, let's celebrate the spirit and effort. Absolutely played their hearts out. 🇨🇦⚽
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 23, 2022
If you're John Herdman, you go in the locker room and tell your players they just impressed the world.
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) November 23, 2022
Croatia is there for the taking. Let's see if Canada can take them. https://t.co/L2gUpCFSRq
The difference between good teams and great teams is the ability to take advantage of opportunities.
— Rudi Schuller (@RudiSchuller) November 23, 2022
However, the fact that #CANMNT kept #BEL on the back foot for most of that game is something to build on. #CAN’s not going to be scared of anyone.#FIFAWorldCup
