Goals & Key Minutes
Belgium controlled the tempo from kickoff, breaking down their opponents with precise tactical combinations and relentless attacking play:
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28th Minute: The deadlock was broken when an inswinging corner deflected inside the box, allowing Leandro Trossard to react quickest and poke the ball home from close range for a 1-0 lead.
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50th Minute: Shortly after the interval, Leandro Trossard doubled the advantage, picking up a dangerous pass before rifling a clinical finish into the back of the net to claim his brace.
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66th Minute: The lead was extended to 3-0 when midfield playmaker Kevin De Bruyne found space on the edge of the penalty area and swept a low, precise shot beyond the keeper.
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84th Minute: New Zealand showed fighting spirit and pulled one back as Elijah Just connected clean inside the area to hit a late consolation goal, moving the scoreline to 3-1.
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86th Minute: The response was instant. Coming off the substitute bench, Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact by meeting a sharp cross to thump home a header, making it 4-1.
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90+4 Minute: Deep in stoppage time, fellow substitute Alexis Saelemaekers capped off the dominant performance by driving a low strike into the bottom corner to finish the game 5-1.
Group Standings & Impact
With this emphatic victory, Belgium wrapped up their group stage campaign with 5 points, claiming 1st place in Group G ahead of Egypt on goal difference. Both sides successfully earn qualification to the Round of 32 knockout stage. Meanwhile, New Zealand finishes their international run at the bottom of the table with 1 point.