Fueled by superior technical skill and territorial dominance, Belgium decisively overcame New Zealand with a 5-1 victory on Friday. This commanding performance, coupled with a 1-1 draw between Egypt and Iran, cemented the Red Devils’ position at the top of Group G. Just behind them, the Pharaohs secured their historic first-ever qualification for the knockout stage of a World Cup.
Belgium finally celebrated a World Cup win, their first since a narrow 1-0 triumph over Canada on November 23, 2022, courtesy of Michy Batshuayi. Displaying clear collective and technical superiority, the Red Devils dominated New Zealand, launching an barrage of shots in the first half (16 attempts, 4 on target).
Leandro Trossard, arguably Belgium’s most consistent outfield player throughout the competition, broke the deadlock in the 28th minute (1-0). Poised within the six-yard box, the Arsenal forward capitalized on a misjudged ball by right-back Tim Payne, who was focused on his marking rather than the rebound off his back.
Trossard had previously threatened, hitting the post with a cross-shot in the 11th minute, which was ultimately cleared off the line by Tyler Bindon. He also initiated a penalty claim when his close-range shot was blocked by Finn Surnam’s left arm. However, the Jordanian referee, after a VAR review, correctly overturned the decision, ruling the defender’s arm to be in a “natural” position (20th minute).
Operating in a 4-3-3 formation, Belgium, with playmakers Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken linking the attack, appeared dangerous but sometimes overplayed their hand. At halftime, despite having regained second place in the group, they sought greater composure to alleviate event-related pressure. The team needed to refine its coordination in the final third and, crucially, improve its finishing.
A liberating second-half surge
Jérémy Doku, lacking rhythm and power, created some openings, mostly from the left wing, but his final decision-making often lacked precision. Charles De Ketelaere, meanwhile, seemed to lack the instinctive ruthlessness needed in the opposition box to secure a comfortable lead for his teammates, who tended to ease off, granting New Zealand too much freedom towards the end of the first half.
However, Trossard settled nerves by converting a two-part chance in the 50th minute (2-0). After an initial shot was blocked by Tyler Bindon, De Bruyne provided the assist, and Trossard made no mistake. Coach Rudi Garcia then opted to replace Jérémy Doku, whose early flashes had faded, with Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the 56th minute, aiming for more pace and depth.
The LOSC striker then failed to convert an exemplary counter-attack led by De Bruyne and relayed by Trossard, with his shot missing the target (65th minute). Nevertheless, the Belgian star delivered a knockout blow by recovering a ball snatched by Trossard outside the New Zealand box, then slotting his shot past goalkeeper Max Crocombe (3-0, 67th minute). This was De Bruyne’s 30th international goal, propelling Belgium to the top of the group on goal difference, ahead of an Egypt side held to a 1-1 draw by Iran.
Garcia’s substitutions prove decisive
Rudi Garcia then moved to secure the result and maintain his team’s freshness, replacing Trossard with Alexis Saelemaekers and De Bruyne with Amadou Onana (72nd minute). However, a lapse in concentration allowed Elijah Just to pull one back for New Zealand (3-1, 84th minute), as he was left somewhat isolated in front of the Belgian goal to powerfully strike the ball. This momentary slip had no lasting consequence, especially after the joint introductions of Romelu Lukaku and Nicolas Raskin in the 85th minute. These two players combined for Belgium’s fourth goal, a cross from the Rangers midfielder met by an impeccable diving header from Belgium’s all-time leading scorer at the far post (4-1, 86th minute). This marked Lukaku’s 91st international goal and his 12th in major international tournaments, combining World Cups and Euros.
In added time, Alexis Saelemaekers extended the lead to 5-1 (90th + 4) with a cross-shot, exploiting an assist from the Napoli striker, who has only seen 64 minutes of club action this season. This comprehensive victory secured first place for Belgium, thanks to their superior goal difference.
The initial objective has been successfully met. This achievement undoubtedly reassures and liberates the Belgian squad, now free from pressure. They will commence a new phase of the tournament, remaining at their base camp in Seattle, as hoped. With fresh perspectives and renewed ambitions, their Round of 16 match is set for Wednesday at 10 PM, though their opponent is yet to be determined.
Egypt’s nail-biting finish
Until the very end, enduring the final assaults from a surprisingly resilient Iranian team, Egypt fought tooth and nail to maintain their second-place position in Group G. This was after Belgium had already claimed first place with their dominant victory over New Zealand. The Pharaohs needed to hold onto a draw against Iran (1-1) on Friday evening, and doubts seemed to overwhelm them in the match’s dying moments. Yet, fate appeared to be on their side: Khalilzadeh’s goal in the 90th + 3 minute was disallowed for an offside boot, before Ezatolahi’s header was spectacularly repelled by the crossbar in the 90th + 6 minute.
The Egyptians truly experienced a scare, prostrating themselves on the pitch at the final whistle, overjoyed by the outcome. They had qualified for the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time in their history. Despite this historic achievement, the match itself was incredibly difficult, even though it started brightly with Mahmoud Saber’s opening goal in the 5th minute, a fortunate strike that navigated through a crowded Iranian defense.
Mostafa Shobeir then made a crucial save, deflecting a penalty from Taremi in the 11th minute, and at that point, the Pharaohs seemed genuinely superior to their opponents. However, Rezaeian’s equalizer in the 14th minute plunged the Egyptians into doubt, transforming the match into a chaotic struggle. The pace slowed, contacts multiplied, and chances became scarce, before a final fifteen minutes where the Iranians pressed hard, believing in an upset. It was in vain. They now face an anxious wait, hoping that results from other group matches will favor them, allowing them to qualify for the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
