New Zealand 1:5 Belgium — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 in their World Cup group-stage match, with the winger's electric performance the clear standout as the Red Devils now await their knockout-round opponent. It was a dominant display from the start, though the scoreline took a while to reflect Belgium's control of the game.

The match turned decisively in the 28th minute when Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for Belgium, and after a VAR check for a potential foul in the 22nd minute had come to nothing, the floodgates opened after half-time. Trossard struck again in the 50th minute from Hans Vanaken's assist, Kevin De Bruyne added a third in the 66th minute from Trossard's pass, and despite Elijah Just pulling one back for New Zealand in the 84th minute, Romelu Lukaku in the 86th minute and Alexis Saelemaekers in the 90th minute completed the rout.

Belgium fully deserved the win, controlling the first half and never letting New Zealand breathe after the break. CheckLive's model clearly favoured Belgium, and the result confirmed that prediction, with the live signals offering nothing to challenge that reading.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of New Zealand vs Belgium?

New Zealand 1-5 Belgium (World Cup).

Who scored?

Leandro Trossard (28') for Belgium; Leandro Trossard (50', assist Hans Vanaken) for Belgium; Kevin De Bruyne (66', assist Leandro Trossard) for Belgium; Elijah Just (84') for New Zealand; Romelu Lukaku (86', assist Nicolas Raskin) for Belgium; Alexis Saelemaekers (90', assist Romelu Lukaku) for Belgium.

Was Belgium's win deserved?

Yes — Belgium were on top for most of the match.

Were there any cards in New Zealand vs Belgium?

Yellow cards: Marko Stamenić (New Zealand); Elijah Just (New Zealand).

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