Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Mitchy Batshuayi scored as Belgium labored to a 1-0 victory against Canada in the Group F encounter of the FIFA World Cup at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Belgian marksman scored against the run of the play in the 44th minute.
Canada had the opportunity to take the lead in the 11th minute as the North Americans were awarded a penalty after VAR ruled that Yannick Carrasco handled the ball inside the box.
But Thibaut Courtois denied Alphonso Davies.
Canada, which is playing its first World Cup since 1986, fired 22 shots, including three on the target, but failed to find the back of the net. Belgium also had three shots on the target.
This could be the last opportunity to shine in the World Cup for Belgium’s golden generation. But their attack looked blunt in the absence of their star striker Romelu Lukaku.
Spain thrashes Costa Rica 7-0
Spain registered their biggest World Cup win thrashing Costa Rica 7-0 in its opening match of Group E at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.
Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain in the 11th minute. Marco Asensio doubled the lead 10 minutes later with a superb finish from a Jordi Alba cross. Ferran Torres scored from the spot to give Spain a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Spain continued the momentum in the second half, as Torres scored his second and Spain’s fourth in the 54th minute before Gavi scored from a superb volley to become the youngest World Cup scorer since Pele in 1954.
Substitute Carlos Soler scored Spain’s sixth in the 90th minute, while another substitute Alvaro Morata joined the party adding Spain’s seventh in injury time.
Today’s Matches
Group G
Switzerland vs Cameroon
3:45 pm
Group H
Uruguay vs South Korea
6:45 pm
Group H
Portugal vs Ghana
9:45 pm
Group F
Brazil vs Serbia
00:45 am
