Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium demolished New Zealand 5-1 to clinch top spot in Group G and advance to the World Cup's last 32, while the All Whites' tournament hopes were dashed.
Group Standings and Next Opponent
Belgium finished above Egypt on goal difference after both teams ended with five points from three matches. Iran finished third with three points, and New Zealand last with one. In the other group match, 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."
Dominant First Half
Belgium dominated from the outset, enjoying the bulk of possession. Trossard thought he had given them 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 video review, the referee ruled that Surman's arm was in a natural position and overturned the decision.
Belgium's pressure finally paid off in the 28th minute when Trossard converted Kevin De Bruyne's cross from close range, finishing a well-worked move to break the deadlock.
Second Half Onslaught
Trossard doubled Belgium's lead in the 50th minute, again combining with De Bruyne as he latched onto a through ball, controlled it on his chest, and volleyed home from close range. New Zealand threatened when Eli 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 onto 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.
Late Goals and Records
New Zealand pulled one back through Just in the 84th minute, but Romelu 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," said New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley. "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."
