Alphonso Davies scores Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal

By Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press on November 27, 2022.

AL RAYYAN, Qatar – Alphonso Davies scored against Croatia on Sunday to give Canada its first-ever goal at the men’s World Cup.

A cross from Tajon Buchanan found Davies flying through the air and the Bayern Munich star headed it home to give Canada a 1-0 lead.

Canada failed to score or secure a point in its first trip to the tournament in 1986, exiting after three first-round losses in Mexico.

Consider that 2,548 goals in total were scored at the 21 previous World Cups, with 132 of those scored at the 1986 tournament. Brazil came to Qatar as the all-time goals leader at the World Cup with 229, having competed at every tournament.

It looked like Davies was going to end the scoring drought in the 11th minute of Canada’s opener Wednesday against No. 2 Belgium at Ahmad Bin Al Stadium, but his penalty kick was saved by Belgian ‘keeper Thibault Courtois.

The 41st-ranked Canadians ended up losing 1-0 despite outshooting Belgium 21-9 (each team had three shots on target). Forward Jonathan David led Canada with seven attempted shots, none of which hit the mark.

More coming.

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