Third Time's the Charm: Belgium Shines Against New Zealand

Belgium wins their final Group G match 5-1 against underdog New Zealand. The Belgians climb past Iran and Egypt to secure first place in the group.

Belgium had the upper hand on the pitch from the start but often played too complicatedly. New Zealand was pinned deep in their own half, but the "All Whites" from the Pacific Islands still had some luck.

After eleven minutes, Leandro Trossard struck a shot from a tight angle against the inside of the far post, and the ball rebounded off Tyler Bindon's shin on the goal line back into play.

Furthermore, referee Adham Makhadmeh rescinded a penalty for Belgium after VAR intervention, as Finn Surman had his arm in a natural position during the supposed handball (19.).

Trossard Breaks the Goal Drought

The long-overdue lead for the "Red Devils" came from a set-piece. Kevin De Bruyne delivered the corner kick to the far post, where three New Zealanders were completely disoriented.

Tim Payne also had the misfortune that the ball rebounded off his shoulder directly to Trossard's feet. Less than five meters from goal, the Arsenal forward didn't miss this chance, putting Belgium 1-0 up.

In their joy over scoring their first goal of this World Cup, the Belgians briefly let their guard down, but they re-established their dominance just in time for half-time, without New Zealand managing a single shot on goal.

Belgium Gets Going

In the second half, the New Zealanders conceded another goal, again from Leandro Trossard. His first shot hit a teammate, but the rebound went directly back to Trossard, who forcefully buried his second attempt in the net (50.).

Belgium's victory was thus secured, but they wanted to score more goals. Veteran De Bruyne also got his goal, setting up the ball with his heel just outside the box before smashing it low into the right corner (66.).

Two Substitutes Round Off the Result

Elijah Just scored a consolation goal for New Zealand after a misjudged punch by Thibault Courtois in the Belgian goal (85.), but the joy over his third goal at this World Cup didn't last long.

Romelu Lukaku came into the game after this 1-3 and scored with a header less than a minute after coming on, making it 1-4 (86.).

Belgium climbed to first place in the group thanks to a better goal difference. In stoppage time, Alexis Saelemakers also scored his goal (90+4.), immediately after which the match ended with a score of 1-5.

The "Red Devils" finished Group G in first place with five points. Egypt landed in second place with the same number of points but a two-goal worse goal difference. For third-placed Iran, with only three points, the Round of 16 will be a tight call.

The World Cup Schedule >>>