7M - New Zealand 1-5 Belgium: Rudi Garcia's side wrap up Group G top spot with dominant five-goal triumph

Belgium comfortably secured their passage into the World Cup round of 32 as Group G winners after thumping New Zealand 5-1 at BC Place Vancouver. Following a sluggish start to their tournament, the Red Devils exploded into life with Leandro Trossard scoring twice before goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers sealed a commanding performance.

Rudi Garcia's team dominated the first half completely, restricting New Zealand to zero attempts. Trossard was initially denied a penalty by VAR after his shot struck Finn Surman's arm, but he broke the deadlock in the 28th minute by drilling home during a goalmouth scramble. Five minutes into the second half, the Arsenal forward doubled the lead with an acrobatic finish after Max Crocombe blocked his initial effort. Trossard then set up the third goal when his energetic run created space for De Bruyne to smash a precise long-range shot into the bottom corner.

Elijah Just scored a late consolation goal for New Zealand, which momentarily threatened Belgium's grip on the top spot in the group. However, substitute Lukaku immediately restored the three-goal margin with a powerful header, surpassing Marc Wilmots to become Belgium's all-time top scorer in World Cup history with six goals. Lukaku then turned provider in stoppage time, setting up Saelemaekers to convert the final kick of the match. The Red Devils finished the game with 35 shots and 3.65 expected goals, bouncing back in style to win the group ahead of Egypt.