World Cup: De Bruyne man of the match “surprise”, Courtois already at the top, Belgium was hot

The impostor syndrome affects even the best players in the world. Kevin de Bruyne was named Man of the Match in Belgium’s 1-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday night and didn’t understand why. “I didn’t have a good game. I don’t know why I received this award, maybe for my name,” the Mancunian said after the game.

From a collective point of view, the playmaker was also unsure about the Belgians’ performance: “I don’t think our team played a good match, especially in the first period. In the second half, when we managed to get out of the pressure, it was better. But I don’t think we played a good game today. »

Michy Batshuayi also converted Belgium’s only real chance. Players Roberto Martinez were surprised by the energy and pressure of the Canadians. “They had the speed, strength and technique to harm us,” Thibaut Courtois testified.

Those who criticized the restrictive approach of the French at the 2018 World Cup, this time were mostly content with three points. “The first matches of the World Cup are often difficult, tense. Look at Germany and Argentina (losers to Japan and Saudi Arabia). And us, with difficult opening matches against Algeria in 2014 and Panama (sic) in 2018… Our pool is underestimated. There are four good teams. And we are in the lead. »

Belgium can thank the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Courtois deflected a penalty taken by the North Americans and taken by Alphonso Davis. “I knew that Davis always shot from the right (of the goalkeeper). That’s why I chose this side. This is the first time I have saved a penalty in the national team,” he said. The doorman will put on the gloves again on Sunday against Morocco (14:00). “By winning the next game, we will qualify,” he recalled.