Belgium routs New Zealand 5-1 to snatch Group G top spot and a favourable World Cup path

The match

Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver on Friday night, securing top spot in Group G and a place in the World Cup knockout stage. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the first half from a corner and added a second early in the second period after his initial effort was blocked by teammate Hans Vanaken. Kevin De Bruyne extended the lead to 3-0 with a left-footed strike from a Trossard assist. New Zealand pulled one back through Elijah Just, who volleyed home after a corner and a weak clearance by Thibaut Courtois, temporarily pushing Belgium out of the group lead on goal difference. Substitute Romelu Lukaku restored the advantage with a header shortly after coming on, and Alexis Saelemaekers completed the rout in injury time on his birthday.

Group G decider

Simultaneously in Seattle, Egypt played Iran to a 1-1 draw. Both Belgium and Egypt finished the group with five points, but Belgium's superior goal difference sent them through as group winners. Egypt, as runner-up, faces Australia in the round of 32, with a potential round-of-16 meeting against Argentina looming. Belgium's group win avoids that matchup for now.

Trossard takes charge

Trossard, named FIFA Man of the Match, had been under scrutiny after two quiet outings but delivered when it mattered. He struck the post early and saw a penalty decision reversed by VAR after referee review determined Finn Surman's handball was in a natural position. The Arsenal forward then ignited the attack, scoring twice and setting up De Bruyne. Coach Rudi Garcia had publicly backed Trossard despite criticism, and the 31-year-old repaid that faith as several regulars, Jeremy Doku, De Bruyne, and Lukaku, are still searching for top form.

Path forward

Belgium remains in Seattle for its next match on Wednesday, 1 July, against the third-place finisher from Group A, I, or J. The exact opponent will be known Saturday night Belgian time. A victory there sets up a round-of-16 tie against either host United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina. The draw has opened a favourable route, with Argentina only a possible quarterfinal opponent if both teams reach that stage.