New Zealand v Belgium
Formations & Lineups
Match Leaders
Game Information
Vancouver, Canada
Referee:Adham Mohammad
Match Timeline & MomentumMomentumThis graph shows how much pressure a team applied during the match. Taller columns indicate stronger attacking periods, based on things like possession, shots, goals, big chances, and other key stats.
Commentary
Belgium came to Vancouver with a job to do, and they have completed it to devastating effect, defeating New Zealand 5-1. Belgium led 1-0 at half-time and the only query at that stage was how Belgium were only one goal ahead, such was their dominance. The second half saw the game open up with New Zealand trying to keep their campaign alive, but that just prompted Belgium to show their undisputed class and the gap between both sides was demonstrated for all to see. By midway through the second half, Belgium had raced out to a three-goal lead and it was game over. Just pulled one back for New Zealand to cap off a brilliant tournament for him before Belgium were afforded the luxury of bringing on Lukaku from the bench. A goal and an assist inside ten minutes from Lukaku saw Belgium round out the 5-1 win to finish at the top of Group G on goal difference. Unfortunately for New Zealand, that's the end of their World Cup campaign, with them finishing in fourth position on just one point. Belgium advance to play against one of the top-ranked third-place teams whilst Egypt finished second and they will play Australia in the round of 32. Thanks for joining us for this one folks. Until next time it's goodbye.
FULL TIME: NEW ZEALAND 1-5 BELGIUM
Romelu Lukaku is as cool as they come and he's even cooler when he produces a goal and an assist in less than ten minutes of playing time.

GOAL!!! Lukaku runs into the box and runs out of room. He goes back to Saelemaekers who takes a step and sink the boot into it. Crocombe again remains frozen to the ground and helpless as the ball sails past him into the back of the net. BELGIUM 5-1!
Belgium continue to work the ball around with pass after pass. Theate with a rare foray in the opposition box decides to shoot and he will not want to be looking at that one again.
Belgium work it around the box with De Cuyper trying to put the icing on the cake. Crocombe is no expert on cakes though, as he tips it over the bar for a corner.
Shot Map
Team Stats
0.25
Expected Goals
3.69
46%
Possession
54%
2 (33%)
Shots on Goal
10 (29%)
0
Big Chances Created
3
0
Big Chances Missed
2
370 (85%)
Accurate Passes
462 (88%)
31
Duels Won
38
5
Saves
1
10
Fouls Committed
7
Head-To-Head
FIFA World Cup Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | +4 | 5 |
| Egypt | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 5 |
| Iran | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -6 | 1 |
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