Belgium dominates New Zealand 5-1 to secure World Cup knockout stage berth

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Belgium dominates New Zealand 5-1 to secure World Cup knockout stage berth

53 minutes ago

News sources:

CHANNELNEWSASIA

REUTERS

INDIATIMES

ALJAZEERA

Belgium dominates New Zealand 5-1 to secure World Cup knockout stage berth

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1, securing a spot in the World Cup knockout stage.
Leandro Trossard scored twice, with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers also scoring.
New Zealand scored a late consolation goal, ending their World Cup campaign without a win.

Belgium achieved a resounding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, securing their place in the World Cup knockout stage. The win, crucial for Belgium, came after a lackluster start to the tournament with draws against Egypt and Iran. Trossard's performance was pivotal, scoring two goals, which helped Belgium to finish top of Group G, ahead of Egypt on goal difference, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The match began with Belgium dominating, nearly scoring early but hitting the post. Following a VAR review that overturned a penalty decision, Belgium opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Trossard converted a corner from De Bruyne. Minutes into the second half, Trossard added his second, effectively putting the game out of reach, according to India Times and Al Jazeera.

De Bruyne followed up with a stunning goal in the 66th minute before New Zealand scored a consolation through Elijah Just in the 84th minute. However, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers added two more goals in the final minutes, sealing the match at 5-1 and eliminating New Zealand from the tournament, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and Reuters.