Leandro Trossard struck twice as Belgium demolished New Zealand 5-1 to clinch top spot in Group G and progress to the World Cup’s round of 32. The comprehensive victory at BC Place in Vancouver eliminated the Kiwis, who remain without a World Cup win in their history.
The Belgians finished level on five points with Egypt but claimed first place on goal difference after the North Africans drew 1-1 with Iran in the group’s other fixture. Iran took third spot with three points, while New Zealand prop up the table with a solitary point.
Trossard and De Bruyne inspire rout
Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute, converting Kevin De Bruyne’s cross from close range. The forward doubled Belgium’s lead five minutes into the second period, again combining with De Bruyne as he latched onto a through ball, controlled it on his chest and volleyed home.
Belgium had earlier seen a penalty award overturned by VAR after the referee reviewed an incident where defender Finn Surman blocked Trossard’s shot with his arm, ruling it was in a natural position.
De Bruyne added a third shortly after the hour mark, striking low from the edge of the box after being set up by Trossard. At 34, he became the oldest player to score for Belgium at a World Cup.
New Zealand briefly threatened when Elijah Just forced Thibaut Courtois into a smart low save. The Pacific side did find consolation through Just in the 84th minute, but Belgium’s response was immediate. Romelu Lukaku headed home powerfully to restore the three-goal cushion, claiming his sixth World Cup goal to become Belgium’s leading scorer at the tournament outright, surpassing Marc Wilmots. Substitute Alexis Saelemaekers added a fifth in stoppage time.
Records and reaction
The result marked a dramatic turnaround for a Belgian side that had managed only two wins from their previous nine major tournament matches. Trossard expressed confidence ahead of the knockout stages. “We have performed very well,” he 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.”
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley acknowledged the gulf in class but remained proud of his side’s effort. “The result hurts,” he said. “I’m proud of the performance and the work-rate. We had to deal with a very good team for very long periods today. The experience of this is going to make us better. Next tournament, we’ll be a lot more hardened.”
Group G conclusions
Belgium will face one of the eight best third-placed teams in the next round. For New Zealand, the defeat extends their winless World Cup record, though Bazeley insisted the experience would prove valuable for future campaigns.
Final Group G standings:
- 1st: Belgium – 5 points (qualified)
- 2nd: Egypt – 5 points
- 3rd: Iran – 3 points
- 4th: New Zealand – 1 point