World Cup: Belgium beats New Zealand and advances as group leader
Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 in the early hours of this Saturday (27), in Vancouver, and secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Furthermore, the result guaranteed the European team top of group G of the tournament.
Leandro Trossard scored twice and led to the Red Devils' triumph at BC Place, in Canada. Then, Kevin De Bruyne, another highlight of the match, scored a beautiful finish from outside the area. Romelu Lukaku, with a header, and Alexis Saelemaekers closed the score in the final stretch of the duel.
Coach Rudi Garcia's team finished the group stage with five points, in a campaign of one win and two draws. In the round of 32 round of the World Cup, the Belgians will face the third-placed team from groups A, I or J.
The New Zealanders, on the other hand, finished at the bottom of the group, with one point, and were eliminated. In its third participation in history, the representative of Oceania continues without winning in World Cups, reaching the mark of four draws and five defeats.
About the game
Favorites in the confrontation, Belgium started with possession of the ball and went on the attack in search of their goal. After just three minutes, midfielder Youri Tielemans took a long shot and sent it over the opponent's goal. At 11, winger Leandro Trossard received a good pass from midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, finished with a cross and hit the post.
Afterwards, De Bruyne himself tried to expand from the edge of the area, but stopped at goalkeeper Max Crocombe. In the 19th minute, referee Adham Mohammad awarded a penalty in favor of the Belgians, with a shot by Trossard that hit defender Finn Surman's arm. However, after reviewing the play in the VAR booth, the judge canceled the penalty.
The Red Devils' pressure paid off and the team found the back of the net in the 28th minute. During a corner kick in the area, the New Zealand defense made a mistake and Trossard took advantage of the space in the small area to score.
Later, at 39, winger Jérémy Doku made a beautiful move on the left side of the attack, left his marker on the ground and tapped out. Shortly afterwards, De Bruyne scored in the area and finished over the rival's goal. Striker Charles De Ketelaere had a good opportunity to increase the difference on the scoreboard, but saw Crocombe make a good save.
At the break, Belgium scored for the second time with Trossard. After five minutes, he dribbled into the area and filled his foot, but blocked the defense. The ball fell to the Arsenal striker, who hit hard to make it 2-0.
The New Zealanders' first dangerous arrival only came at the nine-minute mark, when winger Elijah Just crossed the ball and forced goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make a beautiful intervention.
Even with a comfortable lead, the Belgians continued to attack their opponents in the following minutes. At 21, De Bruyne hit a shot at the edge of the area and extended the game to 3-0.
In the 39th minute, Just caught a ball poorly cleared by Courtois and hit it beautifully to reduce the score in favor of the All Whites. Soon after, center forward Romelu Lukaku, who came off the bench in the second half, scored a header. Finally, winger Alexis Saelemaekers scored the fifth and sealed the victory in Vancouver.
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Source: CNN