Belgium has advanced to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup after a decisive 5-1 victory over New Zealand in their final group stage match in Vancouver. The win, secured on Friday, marks Belgium‘s first triumph in the tournament after drawing their initial two games. This result propelled them to the top of Group G based on goal difference, ensuring their progression to the round of 32.
Leandro Trossard was a key figure in Belgium‘s dominant performance, scoring two goals. His first came in the 28th minute from a corner delivered by Kevin De Bruyne. Trossard then doubled his tally five minutes into the second half, converting a rebound with a volley after an initial shot was blocked.
The Arsenal winger demonstrated his attacking prowess throughout the match. Early in the game, he nearly opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a left-footed strike that hit the inside of the far post. He continued to pose a threat, with another effort deflected onto the roof of the net after receiving a pass from De Bruyne.
Belgium’s commanding performance
Belgium‘s offensive display was comprehensive, registering 35 shots against New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the competition. The team’s control of the game was evident, with Trossard‘s early goals setting the tone for a high-scoring affair.
The breakthrough for Belgium came after a period of pressure. A penalty decision in their favour was initially overturned by VAR after a review, but Trossard soon found the net from close range following De Bruyne‘s corner, putting Belgium ahead 1-0.
In the second half, De Bruyne extended Belgium‘s lead with a low strike in the 66th minute, making the score 3-0. This goal was crucial as it temporarily moved Belgium above Egypt into first place in Group G on goal difference.
However, New Zealand managed to get a consolation goal in the 84th minute when Elijah Just scored, momentarily pushing Belgium back into the second spot. This late goal added a dramatic twist to the group standings.
Securing the top spot and knockout stage
Belgium quickly responded to New Zealand‘s goal. Just 64 seconds after coming on as a substitute, Romelu Lukaku headed in Belgium‘s fourth goal, immediately restoring their three-goal advantage and returning them to the top of Group G. This swift response ensured Belgium maintained their lead in the group.
Alexis Saelemaekers, another substitute, sealed the victory in stoppage time with a fifth goal for Belgium. This final goal ensured that Belgium finished as group winners, avoiding consecutive group-stage exits from the World Cup.
With this win, Belgium has set up a round of 32 clash. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 9pm UK time in Seattle, where they will face one of the best third-placed teams from other groups. New Zealand, having finished bottom of Group G, has been eliminated from the tournament.
Other teams also progressing include Spain, who secured their spot with a 1-0 win over Uruguay. Mikel Merino played 60 minutes in that match, while David Raya and Martin Zubimendi were unused substitutes. France and Norway have also advanced to the knockout stages, despite William Saliba and Martin Odegaard being unused substitutes in their match.
England‘s international players, including Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Declan Rice, were scheduled to play against Panama in a 10pm kick-off.
Belgium‘s manager, Rudi Garcia, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of experienced players. He noted that while the team has not won anything yet, they are gaining momentum. The focus now shifts to preparing for their next opponent in the round of 32.
New Zealand‘s manager, Darren Bazeley, acknowledged the challenge of facing Belgium and the lessons his team will take from the experience. He stated that most of his players would be back in four years and would be better for the experience, emphasizing the importance of learning from the defeat at the World Cup.
The victory over New Zealand marks a significant step for Belgium in the World Cup, securing their place in the next phase of the competition.
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Source: arsenal.com
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”