Belgium finally secured their first World Cup victory since beating Canada on 23 November 2022 (1-0) with a Michy Batshuayi goal. Dominant in both possession and technical quality, the Red Devils cruised past New Zealand (5-1) on Friday. The win, combined with a 1-1 draw between Egypt and Iran, saw Belgium finish top of Group G on goal difference, ahead of the Pharaohs, who qualified for the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history.
Leandro Trossard, Belgium’s most consistent outfield player in the tournament, opened the scoring (1-0, 28th minute) by pouncing on a loose ball inside the six-yard box after New Zealand right-back Tim Payne was caught unaware. The Arsenal forward had earlier hit the post with a curling shot (11th minute) that Tyler Bindon cleared off the line, and saw a penalty claim overturned by VAR when a strike hit Finn Surman’s arm—the Jordanian referee correctly judged the defender’s arm to be in a natural position (20th minute).
The decisive breakthrough after the break
Belgium, set up in a 4-3-3 with Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken as playmakers behind the forwards, lacked a little rhythm and precision in the final third in the first half. Jérémy Doku caused problems on the wings but often lacked accuracy, while Charles De Ketelaere failed to show enough ruthlessness in the box. The team eased off slightly towards the end of the first period, allowing New Zealand some freedom.
But Trossard doubled the lead in the 50th minute, converting after De Bruyne’s pass was initially blocked by Bindon. Coach Rudi Garcia then replaced Doku with Matias Fernandez-Pardo (56th minute) to add more speed and depth. The Lille striker missed a chance on the counter (65th minute), but De Bruyne soon put the game to bed: he latched onto a ball regained by Trossard near the New Zealand area, cut inside and beat goalkeeper Max Crocombe (3-0, 67th minute) for his 30th international goal. That goal put Belgium top of the group on goal difference, as Egypt were being held by Iran (1-1).
Garcia’s changes pay off
Rudi Garcia then brought on Alexis Saelemaekers and Amadou Onana for Trossard and De Bruyne to secure the result (72nd minute). But Belgium lost concentration and allowed Elijah Just to pull one back (3-1, 84th minute) with a powerful strike from just outside the area. The goal proved inconsequential as Romelu Lukaku and Nicolas Raskin entered the fray (85th minute). Lukaku scored Belgium’s fourth, connecting with a perfect header from Raskin’s cross at the far post (4-1, 86th minute) for his 91st international goal and 12th in major tournaments (World Cup and Euros combined).
In stoppage time, Saelemaekers made it 5-1 (90+4) after a cross from the Napoli striker, who had only played 64 minutes of club football this season. The comprehensive victory secured top spot for Belgium on goal difference.
The primary objective has been achieved, bringing relief and freedom to a team that had been under pressure. They will now begin a new tournament staying at their base camp in Seattle, as hoped. Their round of 16 opponent is still unknown, but the date is set: Wednesday at 22:00 local time.
Egypt suffer until the very end
Egypt battled to hold on to second place in Group G as Belgium took the lead with their big win. A draw against Iran (1-1) was enough, but it was a nerve-wracking finish. The Pharaohs took an early lead through Mahmoud Saber (5th minute), whose shot deflected through a forest of Iranian legs. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved a penalty from Mehdi Taremi (11th minute), and Egypt looked in control. But an equaliser from Ramin Rezaeian (14th minute) threw the match into disorder. The tempo dropped, physical contact increased, and chances dried up until the final quarter-hour, when Iran pushed hard for a winner. A goal by Mohammad Khalilzadeh (90+3) was ruled out for offside by VAR, and a header from Saeid Ezatolahi hit the crossbar (90+6). Egypt held on and fell to their knees at the final whistle, celebrating a historic first-ever knockout stage appearance.
Iran, meanwhile, finished third with four points and must now hope other group results go their way to be among the eight best third-placed teams and advance to the round of 16.
