Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 on Friday to secure their first win of the World Cup and finish top of Group G, booking their place in the knockout rounds. The match, held in Vancouver, saw Belgium leapfrog Egypt on goal difference to claim first place in the group.
Belgium Dominates First Half
Belgium dominated the first half, with Leandro Trossard hitting the post early on. The ball was cleared off the line by Tyler Binden. Moments later, a penalty was awarded after Trossard's shot hit the arm of Finn Surman, but VAR overturned the decision after the referee reviewed the monitor.
Trossard Breaks the Deadlock
Belgium took the lead when Trossard bundled home from close range after Kevin De Bruyne's corner caused chaos in the six-yard box. The goal came after sustained pressure from the Red Devils.
Second Half Surge
Trossard made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half, controlling a rebound and volleying past New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe at the near post. De Bruyne then added a third in the 66th minute with a low finish, putting Belgium ahead of Egypt on goal difference.
New Zealand Fights Back
New Zealand pulled one back through Elijah Just, who volleyed home from the edge of the area to make it 3-1. This goal briefly dropped Belgium to second place in the group.
Belgium Seals Victory
Romelu Lukaku, just a minute after coming on as a substitute, nodded home the fourth goal in the 86th minute to restore Belgium's top spot. Alexis Saelemaekers completed the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area, making the final score 5-1.
Belgium finished first in Group G with five points, ahead of Egypt on goal difference. Egypt secured second place after a 1-1 draw with Iran, who finished third.
