De Bruyne unsure of why he was awarded man of the match against Canada
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne isn’t sure why he received the man of the match award in Belgium’s 1-0 victory over Canada since he claims “I didn’t play a great game”.
Canada showed great initiative in their first World Cup display since 1986 but Herdman’s boys ultimately fell to Belgium’s more experienced side despite registering 22 shots.
Thibaut Courtois saved Alphonso Davies’ penalty early on before Michy Batshuayi scored from a long ball provided by Toby Alderweireld but it was Kevin De Bruyne who won the man of the match award.
Man City midfield maestro had a quiet night by his standards and was befuddled while receiving the award, saying: "
I don't think I played a great game, I don't know why I got the trophy - maybe because of my name.
"We just didn't play well as a team, especially in the first half.
"We started really badly, the momentum was with Canada and we couldn't break through the press. I think there was more space than we thought.
"I don't think we played a good game, me included, but we found a way to win."
De Bruyne created 4 chances, more than any Belgium player, but he only completed 70% of his chances which is lower than his usual amount by a large margin.
De Bruynewas asked about his argument with Toby Alderweireld after Belgium’s goal to which he replied:
"When I saw the way we played I thought we were playing long too much, there was more space.
"You have to attract the pressing, play short and cross that line, but I don't think we were brave enough to find that position.
"At half-time we cleared it up and things are OK, no hard feelings with Toby."
manager Roberto Martinez wasn’t impressed with Belgium’s performance as well and when he was asked if this was their worst performance in a major tournament, Martinez replied: "
It depends what you measure to say 'worst'. Was it technically the worst? Yes. Was it the worst game? No, because it is a win in a World Cup.
"Winning when you don't play well doesn't happen by accident. We had to show a different side to our play; we defended really well.
"You saw frustration because the players care.
"Huge respect to
Canada's performance. We knew they were direct and aggressive… but I don't think it meant we didn't deserve to win.
"We gave Canada the game they wanted, we made the pitch too big… all in all Canada were better, but I think we found a way to deserve the win."
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