Leandro Trossard struck twice as Belgium demolished New Zealand 5-1 to clinch top spot in Group G and march into the World Cup’s round of 32, while the Kiwis’ tournament dreams crumbled.
Belgium finished above Egypt on goal difference after they both ended with five points from three matches, followed by Iran on three points and New Zealand on one. In the other match in the group, Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran. Belgium will next face one of the eight best third-placed teams.
“We have performed very well,” Trossard 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.
“People are very happy [in Belgium]. Many people watched the match. The atmosphere [for the next one] will be great in my country because we’re going to the next stage. I feel very good. I think we’re growing into the tournament, myself as well.”
The Belgians dominated from the outset and were the only side to threaten in the opening half, enjoying the bulk of possession.
Trossard thought he had given Belgium the lead in the 11th minute, only to see his effort strike the post and bounce to safety.
Minutes later, Belgium were awarded a penalty after New Zealand defender Finn Surman was hit on the arm by Trossard’s shot. However, following a VAR review, the referee ruled that Surman’s arm was in a natural position and overturned the decision.
Belgium’s pressure finally told in the 28th minute when Trossard converted Kevin De Bruyne’s cross from close range, finishing off a well-worked move to break the deadlock.
Trossard, 31, doubled Belgium’s lead in the 50th minute, again combining effectively with De Bruyne as he latched on to a through ball, controlled it on his chest and volleyed home from close range.
New Zealand threatened when Elijah Just forced Thibaut Courtois into action in the 54th minute, the goalkeeper diving low to push away their first shot on target.
De Bruyne added a third goal soon after, striking low from the edge of the box after being set up by Trossard, taking one touch on to his left foot before driving the ball into the bottom corner. The 34-year-old became the oldest player to score for Belgium at a World Cup.
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The goal drew chants of “Oh Kevin De Bruyne” from Belgium fans at BC Place, where both sets of supporters turned out in large numbers.
New Zealand pulled one back through Just in the 84th minute, but Lukaku restored Belgium’s three-goal lead with a powerful header before fellow substitute Alexis Saelemaekers added a fifth in stoppage time to compound a miserable night for New Zealand, who are still waiting for their first World Cup victory.
Lukaku, 33, also became Belgium’s top scorer at the World Cup with six goals, surpassing Marc Wilmots.
“The result hurts,” New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley 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. It’s a long way off and it hurts right now because we came to get out of the group and we haven’t done that, but we had chances to do it.”
