Needing a win against the world No 10 side to move on to the knockout stages, the New Zealanders instead fell to their second loss of the tournament. Fancy footwork on the goal line by centre back Tyler Bindon, in his first start of the World Cup, saved New Zealand going behind early in the first half but the top-ranked side would not be kept out for long. Leandro Trossard scored Belgium’s first goal in the 28th minute from a corner when he capitalised on
the confusion between the All Whites defenders. Trossard then volleyed into the back of the net early in the second half to score a brace and Belgium’s first goals of the tournament. Veteran player Kevin De Bruyne scored Belgium’s third and sealed New Zealand’s fate. Eli Just scored his third goal of the tournament in the 84th minute as a consolation but Belgium hit back less than a minute later through their all-time leading goalscorer Romelu Lukaku. In stoppage time Alexis Saelemaekers got in on
the scoring action. The win sends Belgium on to the round of 32.
Belgium vs New Zealand, All Whites, World Cup, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Tyler Bindon, Eli Just, Alexis Saelemaekers, round of 32