Spectacle of goals at the World Cup, Belgium crush New Zealand 5-1 and take the top spot in the group

Belgium delivered a dominant performance in their final group-stage match at the World Cup, defeating New Zealand 5-1 in emphatic fashion.

This victory not only secured the Red Devils’ qualification to the Round of 32, but also handed them top spot in Group G thanks to a superior goal difference over Egypt.

The match began with intense pressure from Belgium, who were determined to avoid another disappointing group-stage exit. Leandro Trossard created the first real danger, but his effort was cleared off the line by defender Tyler Bindon.

A few minutes later, referee Adham Makhadmeh awarded Belgium a penalty for a handball by Finn Surman. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned as the defender’s arm was deemed to be in a natural position. Still, Belgium’s frustration didn’t last long. Right after the hydration break, Trossard capitalized on poor defending from a corner kick and found the net from close range.

It was also a historic match for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made his 18th World Cup appearance for Belgium, setting a new record.

New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament (85th in the world), struggled to cope with Belgium’s pace and intensity in the second half.

Trossard doubled the lead with a stunning volley before Kevin De Bruyne put the result beyond doubt with a precise low strike that gave goalkeeper Max Crocombe no chance.

New Zealand managed to score a consolation goal through Elijah Just, but Belgium showed no signs of slowing down.

Striker Romelu Lukaku responded immediately with a powerful header. With that goal, Lukaku became Belgium’s all-time top scorer in World Cup history with six goals.

Just before the final whistle, substitute Alexis Saelemaekers added Belgium’s fifth goal of the night.

This 5-1 victory marks Belgium’s biggest-ever win in World Cup history. On the other side, New Zealand finish the tournament bottom of the group with just one point, matching Honduras as the teams with the most World Cup matches played without ever recording a win (4 draws, 5 defeats).

Result:

New Zealand 1-5 Belgium

Scorers:

Just 84’ / Trossard 28’, 50’, De Bruyne 66’, Lukaku 86’, Saelemaekers 90+4’

“KORÇA BOOM”