One moment encapsulated Canada’s first performance on the World Cup stage for 36 years. It came in the 48th minute of a cruel defeat by Belgium when Stephen Eustáquio, brimming with adventure and footballing arrogance, nutmegged Kevin de Bruyne and chipped an exquisite cross on to the head of Jonathan David.
He headed wide from close range and Roberto Martínez’s much-vaunted side were reprieved yet again. Canada brought everything except a finishing touch. For John Herdman, Canada’s coach, who is from Consett in the north-east of England, it was an encouraging but punishing night against a team seeking to better its third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.
