Belgium Hit Five Past New Zealand to Top Group G and Seal Round of 32 Berth

Belgium Hit Five Past New Zealand to Top Group G and Seal Round of 32 Berth

Belgium entered the match knowing that only a victory would guarantee their place in the knockout stages after two lacklustre draws against Egypt and Iran. The Red Devils started brightly, dominating possession and creating early chances, but they were frustrated by a resilient New Zealand defence.

A penalty appeal was overturned following a VAR check, and Belgium hit the post before they finally found their breakthrough in the 28th minute when Kevin De Bruyne's corner bounced off a New Zealand defender and dropped perfectly for Leandro Trossard to poke into the net from close range. The goal settled the Belgians and allowed them to dictate the tempo of the match.

Belgium continued to dominate after the break, and Trossard grabbed his second goal of the night in the 50th minute, reacting sharply to prod home acrobatically after his initial attempt was saved by goalkeeper Max Crocombe. The Arsenal forward could have added an assist when he laid a pinpoint pass into the path of substitute Matias Fernandez-Pardo, but the youngster could not keep his effort on target . Belgium's relentless attack produced wave after wave of chances, and the third goal was only a matter of time.

The third goal arrived in the 66th minute through Kevin De Bruyne, who produced a moment of magic from the edge of the penalty area. The Napoli midfielder picked up a loose ball after Trossard's surging run drew a group of defenders, drove forward, and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the bottom corner to make it 3-0. The goal was a fitting reward for Belgium's dominance and seemed to have put the result beyond doubt with 25 minutes remaining.

New Zealand showed their fighting spirit and pulled a goal back in the 84th minute through Elijah Just, who scored his third World Cup goal to give the All Whites a brief moment of celebration . For a moment, Belgium dropped out of top spot in the group as Egypt were drawing 1-1 with Iran, but the Red Devils responded immediately. Romelu Lukaku restored Belgium's three-goal cushion in the 86th minute with a towering header, his first goal of the tournament, to make it 4-1.

Deep into stoppage time, Lukaku turned provider as he set up Alexis Saelemaekers, who fired home with the final kick of the game to complete the 5-1 rout and seal top spot in Group G. The result meant Belgium finished first in the group with five points, ahead of Egypt who also finished on five points but were separated by goal difference. The victory confirmed Belgium's place in the Round of 32, where they will face one of the eight best third-placed teams in Seattle on Wednesday.