Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G and advance to the FIFA World Cup Round 32.
VANCOUVER
Belgium secured a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand, officially clinching the top spot in Group G and moving into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Leandro Trossard led the charge with an impressive brace, ensuring the Red Devils finished their group stage campaign in style.
Belgium controlled the pace from the start, though they initially faced a bit of drama when an early penalty shout was overturned by VAR. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 28th minute, when Trossard tapped in a precise cross from Kevin De Bruyne. He doubled that lead shortly after halftime, chesting down another De Bruyne pass before firing home a clinical volley.
De Bruyne himself got on the scoresheet later, curling a low shot into the far corner. At 34, the star midfielder became the oldest player ever to score for Belgium in a World Cup. While New Zealand managed a consolation goal in the 84th minute, late strikes from substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers rounded off the comprehensive win. Belgium now advances to the knockout stages with five points, edging out Egypt on goal difference. While the Red Devils prepare for their Round of 32 clash, New Zealand’s tournament ends, leaving the team still searching for their first-ever World Cup victory. Belgium now awaits their next opponent, looking to carry this momentum deep into the tournament as they aim for international glory.
