Belgium finally broke their World Cup win drought, securing their first victory since a 1-0 triumph over Canada on November 23, 2022, courtesy of Michy Batshuayi’s 44th-minute goal. The Red Devils showcased superior collective and technical ability, outclassing New Zealand with a dominant 5-1 scoreline, following an onslaught of 16 shots in the first half, four of which were on target.

Leandro Trossard, consistently one of Belgium’s standout outfield players throughout the tournament, initiated the scoring in the 28th minute (1-0). Poised within the six-yard box, the Arsenal attacker capitalized on a poorly handled ball by New Zealand’s right-back Tim Payne, who was focused solely on his marking duties and failed to anticipate the ball rebounding off his back.

Earlier in the match, Trossard had already come close, hitting the post with a cross-shot in the 11th minute, which was ultimately cleared off the line by Tyler Bindon. He also earned a penalty after his close-range shot was blocked by Finn Surnam’s left arm. However, the Jordanian referee, following a VAR review, correctly overturned the decision, deeming the defender’s arm to be in a “natural position” in the 20th minute.

Despite fielding two creative midfielders behind the strikers, Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken, who provided excellent link-up play, Belgium’s 4-3-3 formation appeared a touch over-playful. At halftime, the team sought to regain composure and alleviate the pressure associated with the high stakes, having already climbed to second place in the group. Their primary focus was to refine their coordination in the final third and, crucially, improve their finishing.

A decisive second-half surge

Jérémy Doku, lacking sustained rhythm and power, managed to create some openings on the wings, predominantly on the left flank, but his final decision-making, as often seen, lacked precision. Meanwhile, Charles De Ketelaere seemed to instinctively lack the aggression needed in the opposition’s penalty area to secure a comfortable lead for his teammates, who had allowed the New Zealanders a little too much freedom towards the end of the first half.

However, Trossard soon settled matters, scoring his second goal in the 50th minute (2-0) by converting a De Bruyne assist after Tyler Bindon had blocked an initial shot for New Zealand. Head coach Rudi Garcia then opted to substitute Jérémy Doku, bringing on Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the 56th minute to inject more pace and depth into the attack.

The Lille forward failed to convert a superb counter-attack led by De Bruyne and Trossard, sending his shot wide in the 65th minute. Nevertheless, the Belgian star eventually sealed the victory, capitalizing on a ball won by Trossard just outside the New Zealand box. De Bruyne then struck a precise shot past goalkeeper Max Crocombe in the 67th minute (3-0), marking his 30th international goal. This goal propelled Belgium to the top of the group, securing first place thanks to a superior goal difference over Egypt, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran.

Garcia’s strategic substitutions pay off

Rudi Garcia strategically managed the game, bringing on Alexis Saelemaekers for Trossard and Amadou Onana for De Bruyne in the 72nd minute to secure the result and maintain his team’s freshness. However, Belgium’s concentration wavered momentarily, allowing Elijah Just to score a consolation goal in the 84th minute (3-1), as he was left somewhat isolated outside the Belgian box to powerfully strike the ball. This momentary lapse had no significant impact on the outcome, especially with the subsequent introductions of Romelu Lukaku and Nicolas Raskin in the 85th minute. These two players combined for Belgium’s fourth goal, with a perfectly weighted cross from the Rangers midfielder finding Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, who delivered an impeccable diving header at the far post in the 86th minute (4-1). This marked Lukaku’s 91st international goal and his 12th in major international tournaments, encompassing both World Cups and Euros.

In added time, Alexis Saelemaekers extended Belgium’s lead to 5-1 (90th + 4), expertly converting a cross from the Napoli forward with a precise shot. This emphatic victory secured Belgium the top spot in the group, thanks to their superior goal difference.

The initial objective has been successfully met. This outcome undoubtedly brings reassurance and liberates the Belgian squad, relieving them of significant pressure. They will now embark on a new phase of the tournament, remaining at their Seattle base camp as hoped, with renewed perspectives and ambitions. While their Round of 16 opponent is yet to be determined, the date is set: Wednesday at 10 PM.

Egypt’s nail-biting finish

Egypt endured a tense battle right up to the final moments, fending off the surprising Iranian side to secure their second-place finish in Group G, as Belgium had already claimed the top spot with their emphatic victory over New Zealand. Holding onto a 1-1 draw against Iran on Friday evening proved to be a nerve-wracking affair, with doubt seemingly overwhelming the Pharaohs in the dying seconds. Yet, fate appeared to be on their side: Khalilzadeh’s goal in the 90th + 3 minute was disallowed due to a boot tip, and Ezatolahi’s header in the 90th + 6 minute was heroically denied by the crossbar.

The Egyptians truly experienced a scare, collapsing onto the pitch in relief at the final whistle, overjoyed by the outcome that saw them qualify for the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time in their history. Despite their joy, it was a profoundly challenging match, even though it began promisingly with Mahmoud Saber’s opening goal in the 5th minute, a fortunate strike that navigated through a crowded Iranian defense.

Mostafa Shobeir then made a crucial save, deflecting a penalty from Taremi in the 11th minute, which momentarily suggested the Pharaohs were superior to their opponents. However, Rezaeian’s equalizer in the 14th minute suddenly plunged the Egyptians into uncertainty, transforming the match into a disorganized struggle. The pace dwindled, fouls increased, and scoring opportunities became scarce, until a final quarter-hour surge saw the Iranians push relentlessly, believing in a potential upset. It was in vain. Iran must now anxiously await other group results, hoping they will be favorable enough to secure a spot among the eight best third-placed teams and qualify for the Round of 16.