Returning to the World Cup after a 36-year hiatus, Canada lost to Belgium on Wednesday afternoon. However, the Canadian team surprised and made a good impression during the debut. The team led by England coach John Herdman had a good game, achieved more finishes than the opposition and left the pitch acclaimed by the country’s press.

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Toronto’s leading newspaper, The Globe and Mail, claimed that “Canada’s loss to No. 2 ranked Belgium was not an easy surrender. The best team lost.

The publication recalled that Canada had not played against a team so highly positioned on FIFA’s best list for almost 20 years.

“However, for much of Wednesday’s game, Canada made the Belgian idols at the peak of their careers look older. It’s safe to say without fear of sounding sour that the best lost,” added “The Globe and Mail “.

The sports website “Sporting News” also praised the Canadian performance. For the publication, the national team “made the show during the defeat in the World Cup against Belgium”.

“If there was any doubt about Canada’s ability to perform at the 2022 World Cup, it was immediately dispelled in their first loss to Belgium,” the website reads.

“Sporting News” also pointed out that Canadian football fans loved every second of the game. “Canada gave it their all against a tough team,” the site wrote.

The “Toronto Sun” recalled “the excellent opportunity to take the lead in the 10th minute of play by receiving a penalty”. Alphonso Davies’ shot was stopped by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, however.

“Despite the error, Canada continued to press and create chances, exploiting the aging Belgian defense with speed on the wings,” analyzes the “Toronto Sun”.

“At least they left a good impression and credited the possibility of getting out of the group stage and reaching the knockout stages,” he concludes.