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#1 Lack of belief from Canada in the first half
The Canadian players were moving the ball around well in their own half but were lacking the attacking intent in the first half. This can be reflected as -- even though they enjoyed a greater share of possession they did not attack their opponents with any real conviction.
The Canadians just made too many mistakes and paid the price. The Belgian team really loves firing in balls in the circle and got their first two goals through the same strategy.
However, Canada were suddenly looking like a different team altogether from the 2nd half onwards as they became alive. It was Belgium who were made to be on the back foot at the start of the 4th quarter as Canada had multiple opportunities.
Simon Gougnard got a green card in the match for talking back to the assistant referee.
There was constant pressure by the Canadians early on in the 4th and final quarter -- completely against the run of play. Belgium's Victor Wegnez got a yellow card in the 48th minute which meant that Belgium would have to be down to 10 men for 5 minutes.
This provided the Canadians with the license to go for the kill and they made the most of it. Belgium had to pay the price for being one man down as Canada scored off the next Penalty corner. There was brilliant build play and Scott Tupper fired in a shot. Mark Pearson got the deflection in after a goalline scramble.
Sarmento of Canada also had a great chance to draw the scores level in the 58th minute but missed it. He just could not latch on to the ball as well as he would have liked. What a moment it that could have been!
As expected, it was all Belgium in the first half. However, Canada really tested them from the 2nd half onwards. They were not going to let their opponents have it that easy. Mark Pearson's goal gave them a glimmer of hope. Now comparing the stats -- Belgium had 16 shots compared to Canada's 6. The Red Lions were also miles ahead in the number of circle penetrations as they had 33 to their name compared to just 9 by Canada.
However, Belgium were stronger overall as they had 66 % of their possession in the opposition half which reflects the attacking mindset of the team. Shane McLeod will be happy with how his team started the match but certainly not with the way it ended.
The Canadian coach Paul Bundy will certainly take heart from the fact that his side displayed a great fighting spirit in the final quarter against stronger opponents. If they can sustain it throughout the match then they would certainly start getting favourable results in their upcoming matches.
Another downside for Belgium was that when Canada were holding on to the ball then the pressing could have been better by Belgium. The sitting back strategy worked with Canada but may not necessarily do so in the upcoming matches as they face stronger opponents.
The Red Lions will face a stern test in their next match on 2nd December as they go up against a 5th placed India, who will also have the home advantage. India will also have to look out and be wary of the Belgians as they are fiery going forward just like their outfits.
Canada, on the other hand, will be seen locking horns with South Africa earlier on the same day -- December 2.
