Leander Dendoncker is next up on Villa Watch as his Belgium side take on Canada in Group F. Find out how the 27 year-old got on at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium…
Starting in a back three alongside former Tottenham defenders Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, Dendoncker had the tricky task of keeping tabs with Reading’s Junior Hoilett and Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies down the Canada left.
Things didn’t quite go to plan for Belgium in the first half as Canada found themselves on top for large spells. The North-American outfit were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute, but Thibaut Courtois was on hand to deny star-man Davies from the spot. Dendoncker had a relatively quiet first 45, but his side found themselves a goal up at the break after Michy Batshauyi converted with minutes remaining.
The half-time stoppage seemed to benefit the Belgians as they looked far more settled and controlled the tempo of the game in the second showing. The Villa man in red and black was calm in position and continued to deal with any threats down his side. Finishing 1-0, Roberto Martinez’s side sit top of Group F and look favourites to qualify.
PLAYER RATING
UP NEXT & PREVIOUS MEETINGS
You can watch Dendoncker in action next against Morocco on Sunday 27th November. Kick off is at 1pm from the Al Thumama Stadium and you can find coverage of the fixture on BBC.
There have been three previous meetings between these two nations, including two friendly fixtures and a 1994 USA World Cup group game. Belgium critically won the contest at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, thanks to a Marc Degryse 11th minute winner which put the Western-European team through to the knockout rounds. Morocco won the latest friendly fixture 4-1 in 2008, whilst Belgium came out on top in 1999 with a 4-0 victory.
Can Dendoncker and his Belgium side extend their lead at the top of Group F with another win or will it be left all to play for in the final game against Croatia on match-day three?
GROUP TABLE
Here’s how things stand in Group F…
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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