Belgium Storm into World Cup Last 32 with Rout of New Zealand

Belgium stormed into the World Cup knockout stage with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday, clinching top spot in Group G in Vancouver with their first win of the tournament.

A brace from Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard, along with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers, powered the Red Devils into the last 32. Belgium finished level on points with Egypt but claimed first place on goal difference.

Egypt secured the runners-up berth after drawing 1-1 with Iran in Seattle, while Iran ended the group stage in third place.

Belgium dominated from the outset and nearly opened the scoring when Trossard's angled effort struck the inside of the post before Tyler Binden cleared the ball off the line.

The Red Devils were then awarded a penalty after Trossard's shot appeared to strike the arm of defender Finn Surman. However, following a VAR review, Jordanian referee Adham Mohammad overturned the decision, giving New Zealand a reprieve.

Belgium's breakthrough soon arrived, with Trossard turning home from close range after De Bruyne's corner created chaos inside the six-yard box.

The Arsenal winger doubled the lead five minutes into the second half, controlling a loose ball in a crowded penalty area before volleying past goalkeeper Max Crocombe at the near post.

De Bruyne added a third in the 66th minute with a composed low finish, a goal that lifted Belgium above Egypt to the top of the group on goal difference.

New Zealand briefly threatened to complicate matters when Elijah Just fired home a superb volley from the edge of the area to reduce the deficit to 3-1, a goal that temporarily dropped Belgium to second place in the live standings.

But Lukaku restored Belgium's advantage in the group with his first touch just a minute after coming off the bench, heading in the fourth goal in the 86th minute.

Saelemaekers completed the rout in the closing moments with a fine strike from outside the box, sealing a comprehensive victory and confirming Belgium's place at the top of Group G heading into the knockout rounds.