FIFA World Cup 2022: Why “Dismal” Belgium Rode Their Luck In Group Stage Opener Against Canada – Tactical Analysis

The 2022 World Cup might be providing fans, objectors and organisations with plenty of discussion points off the field, but there has also been plenty to talk about on the pitch too.

The fourth day of action saw Canada make their bow in Qatar, with John Herdman’s Maple Leafs featuring in the finals tournament for the first time since Mexico 1986, and their first assignment was a meeting with 2018 semi-finalists Belgium, who are one of the sides backed to advance far into the knockout stages.

However, as this tactical analysis will indicate, Canada didn’t seem worried by the prospect of facing such a strong team and actually offered a lot more than some expected from them, with Belgium finding out first-hand that they will not be a side to underestimate during the group stages.

The analysis will specifically identify the key positives and negatives in the North American side’s attacking and defensive tactics, as well as examining why Belgium struggled to get into the match and what they need to improve ahead of their next outing.

Belgium Vs Canada Lineups

Belgium named a strong side for this match, with Roberto Martínez hoping to get off to a good start as he tried to take his team one stage further and give them a chance of lifting the Jules Rimet trophy in a few weeks’ time.

Whilst many names in their starting lineup were expected to play, there were a few surprise selections, including Aston Villa’s Leander Dendoncker, who joined former Tottenham Hotspur duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in a back three.