Belgium top Group G with 5-1 win over New Zealand
Belgium have secured top spot in World Cup Group G and a place in the last 32 after a convincing 5-1 victory over New Zealand, with Leandro Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne steering the team through a dominant performance.
Belgium demolished New Zealand 5-1 to finish first in World Cup Group G and advance to the last 32. Leandro Trossard scored twice, while Kevin De Bruyne and substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers added further goals. New Zealand, who pulled a late goal back through Eli Just, are eliminated after finishing bottom of the group with one point.
Belgium finished level on five points with Egypt, who drew 1-1 with Iran in the group's other match, but advanced on goal difference. The result means Belgium will now face one of the eight best third-placed teams in the knockout stage, while the defeat extends New Zealand's winless World Cup record.
Belgium controlled possession from the start and saw an early Trossard effort hit the post in the 11th minute. A penalty was initially awarded when Trossard's shot struck defender Finn Surman's arm, but a video review overturned the decision. Trossard eventually broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, converting a cross from De Bruyne.
Trossard doubled the lead five minutes into the second half, volleying home after controlling a De Bruyne through ball. De Bruyne then scored Belgium's third from the edge of the box, becoming the oldest player to score for Belgium at a World Cup at 34 years old. Thibaut Courtois had earlier made a low save to deny Just.
Lukaku came off the bench to head in a fourth, surpassing Marc Wilmots to become Belgium's all-time leading World Cup scorer with six goals. Saelemaekers added a fifth in stoppage time after Just had briefly given New Zealand hope.
“We have performed very well,” Trossard said. “We are happy now because we’re number one. Now we have to go to the round of 32, and we’re all ready to deliver."
“People are very happy [in Belgium]. Many people watched the match. The atmosphere [for the next one] will be great in my country because we’re going to the next stage."
“The result hurts,” said the New Zealand coach, Darren Bazeley. “I’m proud of the performance and the work rate. We had to deal with a very good team for very long periods today."
