VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — With a flurry of goals, Belgium finally found its footing in the final. world cup.
Leandro Trossard scored a brace and Belgium overcame a slow start to the tournament to beat New Zealand 5-1 on Friday night and advance to the knockout stages at the top of Group G.
Belgium will play a yet-to-be-determined third-place opponent in Seattle on Wednesday. The match was played at the same time as the final group match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle, with the following results: 1-1 drawknocking Egypt out of first place.
Belgium entered the match in a surprising 3rd place in their group after opening the World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. The match against Iran was a scoreless draw.
“I think we had chances in the first two games but we didn’t take them, so it’s important that we took them today,” Trossard said. “And it’s always great to score a lot of goals. We’re also really happy and happy to have passed in first place.”
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemeijkers also scored for Belgium, who finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and were eliminated in the group stage at Qatar four years ago.
Elijah had just scored a goal for New Zealand, who needed a complete win to have any chance of advancing. The All Whites return home without a win for the first time in World Cup history.
If Belgium wins the opening match of the knockout tournament, they will face the winner of the match against Belgium. United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina In the round of 16.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said: “First of all, we have to win our round of 32 matches. It’s rude to start talking about the last 16 when we don’t even know who we’ll play yet.” “Let’s see who passes.”
Finishing top of the group also means Belgium won’t have to travel far for their first knockout tournament. The team’s training base is in Seattle.
Trossard came very close to scoring early in the match, but goal-line technology ruled that the ball did not cross the line.
New Zealand defender Finn Surman was called for a hand in the box in the 23rd minute, giving Belgium a penalty, but the video showed his arm was in a natural position and play continued.
Belgium took the lead in the 28th minute when Trossard bounced the ball off the crossbar from a scramble in front of the net and into the goal.
It was Belgium’s first World Cup goal since Michy Batshuayi’s goal in the group opener against Canada in Qatar in 2022. Belgium’s goal in the opening game of this tournament, which resulted in a 1-1 draw against Egypt, was an own goal.
Trossard scored his second goal early in the second half, converting a New Zealander’s rebound past goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
Belgium took the lead in the 66th minute with a superb shot from outside the penalty area by De Bruyne. He celebrated by making a heart with his hands for the packed Vancouver crowd.
Justo’s goal in the 84th minute saved New Zealand from being shut out, but two minutes later Lukaku blew a kiss to Belgium’s fans with a header. Saelemakers scored in stoppage time.
Just, who scored three goals in the tournament, said, “It’s been a long journey, but I’m proud of the players.” “Everyone tried their best, but it wasn’t enough.”
Winger Jeremy Doku started for Belgium after missing Sunday’s goalless draw with Iran due to illness. He then flew to London for the birth of his son. He trained with the team only once every seven days.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his 18th World Cup appearance for Belgium, breaking Enzo Sifo’s record.
new zealand has fallen 3-1 win over Egypt on Sunday In Vancouver when the Pharaohs won their first World Cup. The All Whites drew 2-2 with Iran in their opening group game.
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