Belgium have Canada's poor finishing to thank for the fact they avoided the fate of Argentina and Germany in falling victim to a World Cup shock.
Belgium still have glorious talent in the shape of Kevin de Bruyne and a world-class keeper in Thibaut Courtois but they looked ragged, jaded and desperately vulnerable to the pace and energy of Canada's attacking play.
he defensive duo of Alderweireld, 33, and 35-year-old Jan Vertonghen have served country and clubs outstandingly well, but there was an air of desperation about some of their play as Canada, in the first half particularly, dragged Belgium to all parts.
Belgium can clearly perform much better than this and have main striker Romelu Lukaku to return up front but this was a tired-looking effort.
"Canada deserved to be better than us in the way they played. I think the result reflects the things that we had to do and the way we defended for each other and took our chance.
"It's a win and we need to play better and to grow. We've been here five days, we have to grow with these games. Many top teams are losing games.
"This tournament is going to make you develop and grow as the tournament goes on. If you do that by winning games, it's an incredible advantage.
"Today we didn't win by our normal talent and quality on the ball, but you don't win in the World Cup if you don't do the other side of the game.
"We need to be realistic, we need to play well but when a team can win without playing well, it's a lot to build on."
'The lads showed they can live on this stage'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Canada manager John Herdman, speaking to BBC One: "I'm proud of the performance but you need to take three points in your first game. We had an opportunity to be top of the group tonight - that was the mission and we missed it, but I'm proud of the performance.
"These lads put a shift in, they showed that they can live on this stage. They made the fans proud and made them feel like they belong here and that was important for us. I showed them the stats and showed them that they belong here.
"Croatia is our next mission. I lost my first game at the London 2012 Olympics and then we went on to win our first medal in 86 years so it's how we respond now. With that belief and keeping the brotherhood tight, we've got a chance."
Man of the moment
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
As well as rescuing his side, Thibaut Courtois became the first Belgium goalkeeper to save a World Cup penalty since the numbers started being collected in 1966. Bravo.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Analysis of Belgium's win over Canada is continuing in the World Cup Extra
studio. Gary Lineker and guests are on air. Click the tab at the top of the page to watch.
'A lot to build on'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, speaking on BBC One: "Today was such a difficult game, Canada were better than us in what we wanted to do. They came to the tournament with an incredible celebration, great emotion, what we expected. This Canada team has a lot of pace and directness.
"To be fair, we had to show another side of our play. I'm delighted because we won the game through grit and experience, through the quality of our goalkeeper who kept us in the game by saving the penalty, many elements. The victory today is more important than when you play well."
'No pushovers'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Nadine Yousif
BBC reporter, Toronto, Canada
BBCCopyright: BBC
In Toronto’s Little Italy, scores
of Canada fans watched their country’s team play in the World Cup for
the first time in 36 years.
The mood was tense for the first half. Silence fell over
watchers as Belgium scored, and fans anxiously crossed their fingers for Canada.
But many say they are just thrilled to be here and watch Canada’s
team play after all this time.
"I was quite upset myself," said Calen Hamelin, a long-time Canada fan, in reaction to Belgium’s goal.
"But overall, I think Canada showed they’re not a pushover."
'Don't stop believing'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
OptaCopyright: Opta
Les Rouges were so much more active inside the opposition penalty area.
The size of these dots illustrate the expected goal value of each attempt. Canada's coach is entitled to tell his team to keep believing.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Lots of positives for Canada to take into their next match against Croatia on Sunday (16:00 GMT). Up next for Belgium are Morocco on the same day (13:00).
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada recorded 22 attempts in this match (0 goals). Spain scored seven goals from 17 shots in their 7-0 win over Costa Rica earlier today.
'Canada lacked finesse'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Alex Scott
Former England and Arsenal defender on BBC One
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features
Canada will be devastated because of the effort and the heart they showed throughout that match. It just shows the difference in quality when you have those moments, having the composure to make something of it. They just lacked that finesse at the end of everything they did.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium
Roberto Martinez is being interviewed by TV. He accepts that Belgium did not play as well he wanted but is confident they will grow into the tournament.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
You might have been forgiven for not tipping Richie Laryea to fashion the most chances before tonight's game.
The man on loan to Toronto FC from Nottingham Forest set up four opportunities - his creativity was only matched by Kevin de Bruyne.
Get Involved
Via WhatsApp 03301231826
Dave: Will be interesting to see who gets out of this group - all four teams will fancy their chances.
'Calm & composed Courtois'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Vincent Kompany
Former Belgium and Manchester City captain on BBC One
You could see the players were happy with the win but it was a difficult game. Thibaut Courtois was calm and composed when they needed him but it wasn't the best performance.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium
Belgium equal the longest winning streak in the World Cup group stage: eight set by Brazil in 1986-1994 and matched by Brazil themselves in 2002-2010.
'Canada need to show more composure'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on BBC One
You can't fault Canada's effort levels, for sure. John Herdman will be asking his forward players to show a bit more composure in the coming matches. If they do that, they're a team that can cause you problems.
FULL-TIME
Belgium 1-0 Canada
They gave it everything but Canada emerge with nothing as Belgium go straight to the top of Group F.
Post update
Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada boss John Herdman has a pained expression across his face. His players have given this everything but they're heading for zero points.
Live Reporting
Neil Johnston
All times stated are UK
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
OptaCopyright: Opta 
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
Latest PostGoodbye
Right, it's time to bring this live to an end.
Day four at the 2022 World Cup brought 11 goals [seven for Spain] but what will Thursday bring?
It's a mouth-watering day.
First up it's Switzerland against Cameroon at 10:00 GMT followed by Uruguay-South Korea at 13:00.
After that it's Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal against Ghana at 16:00, with Brazil against Serbia the late game at 19:00.
Don't forget you can get all the latest from the World Cup here.
Good night.
'This was a tired display by Belgium'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Belgium have Canada's poor finishing to thank for the fact they avoided the fate of Argentina and Germany in falling victim to a World Cup shock.
Belgium still have glorious talent in the shape of Kevin de Bruyne and a world-class keeper in Thibaut Courtois but they looked ragged, jaded and desperately vulnerable to the pace and energy of Canada's attacking play.
he defensive duo of Alderweireld, 33, and 35-year-old Jan Vertonghen have served country and clubs outstandingly well, but there was an air of desperation about some of their play as Canada, in the first half particularly, dragged Belgium to all parts.
Belgium can clearly perform much better than this and have main striker Romelu Lukaku to return up front but this was a tired-looking effort.
Read Phil McNulty's match report.
'We need to play better and grow'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium
More from Belgium boss Roberto Martinez to MOTD:
"Canada deserved to be better than us in the way they played. I think the result reflects the things that we had to do and the way we defended for each other and took our chance.
"It's a win and we need to play better and to grow. We've been here five days, we have to grow with these games. Many top teams are losing games.
"This tournament is going to make you develop and grow as the tournament goes on. If you do that by winning games, it's an incredible advantage.
"Today we didn't win by our normal talent and quality on the ball, but you don't win in the World Cup if you don't do the other side of the game.
"We need to be realistic, we need to play well but when a team can win without playing well, it's a lot to build on."
'The lads showed they can live on this stage'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada manager John Herdman, speaking to BBC One: "I'm proud of the performance but you need to take three points in your first game. We had an opportunity to be top of the group tonight - that was the mission and we missed it, but I'm proud of the performance.
"These lads put a shift in, they showed that they can live on this stage. They made the fans proud and made them feel like they belong here and that was important for us. I showed them the stats and showed them that they belong here.
"Croatia is our next mission. I lost my first game at the London 2012 Olympics and then we went on to win our first medal in 86 years so it's how we respond now. With that belief and keeping the brotherhood tight, we've got a chance."
Man of the moment
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
As well as rescuing his side, Thibaut Courtois became the first Belgium goalkeeper to save a World Cup penalty since the numbers started being collected in 1966. Bravo.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Analysis of Belgium's win over Canada is continuing in the World Cup Extra studio. Gary Lineker and guests are on air. Click the tab at the top of the page to watch.
'A lot to build on'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, speaking on BBC One: "Today was such a difficult game, Canada were better than us in what we wanted to do. They came to the tournament with an incredible celebration, great emotion, what we expected. This Canada team has a lot of pace and directness.
"To be fair, we had to show another side of our play. I'm delighted because we won the game through grit and experience, through the quality of our goalkeeper who kept us in the game by saving the penalty, many elements. The victory today is more important than when you play well."
'No pushovers'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Nadine Yousif
BBC reporter, Toronto, Canada
In Toronto’s Little Italy, scores of Canada fans watched their country’s team play in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
The mood was tense for the first half. Silence fell over watchers as Belgium scored, and fans anxiously crossed their fingers for Canada.
But many say they are just thrilled to be here and watch Canada’s team play after all this time.
"I was quite upset myself," said Calen Hamelin, a long-time Canada fan, in reaction to Belgium’s goal.
"But overall, I think Canada showed they’re not a pushover."
'Don't stop believing'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Les Rouges were so much more active inside the opposition penalty area.
The size of these dots illustrate the expected goal value of each attempt. Canada's coach is entitled to tell his team to keep believing.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Lots of positives for Canada to take into their next match against Croatia on Sunday (16:00 GMT). Up next for Belgium are Morocco on the same day (13:00).
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada recorded 22 attempts in this match (0 goals). Spain scored seven goals from 17 shots in their 7-0 win over Costa Rica earlier today.
'Canada lacked finesse'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Alex Scott
Former England and Arsenal defender on BBC One
Canada will be devastated because of the effort and the heart they showed throughout that match. It just shows the difference in quality when you have those moments, having the composure to make something of it. They just lacked that finesse at the end of everything they did.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium
Roberto Martinez is being interviewed by TV. He accepts that Belgium did not play as well he wanted but is confident they will grow into the tournament.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
You might have been forgiven for not tipping Richie Laryea to fashion the most chances before tonight's game.
The man on loan to Toronto FC from Nottingham Forest set up four opportunities - his creativity was only matched by Kevin de Bruyne.
Get Involved
Via WhatsApp 03301231826
Dave: Will be interesting to see who gets out of this group - all four teams will fancy their chances.
'Calm & composed Courtois'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Vincent Kompany
Former Belgium and Manchester City captain on BBC One
You could see the players were happy with the win but it was a difficult game. Thibaut Courtois was calm and composed when they needed him but it wasn't the best performance.
Post update
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Belgium
Belgium equal the longest winning streak in the World Cup group stage: eight set by Brazil in 1986-1994 and matched by Brazil themselves in 2002-2010.
'Canada need to show more composure'
FT: Belgium 1-0 Canada
Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on BBC One
You can't fault Canada's effort levels, for sure. John Herdman will be asking his forward players to show a bit more composure in the coming matches. If they do that, they're a team that can cause you problems.
FULL-TIME
Belgium 1-0 Canada
They gave it everything but Canada emerge with nothing as Belgium go straight to the top of Group F.
Post update
Belgium 1-0 Canada
Canada boss John Herdman has a pained expression across his face. His players have given this everything but they're heading for zero points.