Group stage · Group G · #65
New Zealand v Belgium
BC Place, Vancouver
The goals, minute by minute
- 28'Leandro TrossardGoal · 0-1
- 50'Leandro TrossardGoal · 0-2
- 66'Kevin De BruyneGoal · 0-3
- 84'Elijah JustGoal · 1-3
- 86'Romelu LukakuGoal · 1-4
- 90'+4'Alexis SaelemaekersGoal · 1-5
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
New Zealand (85th FIFA, lowest-ranked) vs Belgium (9th FIFA)
Level of the teams
- New Zealand: back after 16 years, poor in friendlies, physical but limited in quality.
- Belgium: a generation led by Kevin De Bruyne, pedigree and depth. Group favorite.
Key factors
- Huge gap in ranking and level in Belgium's favor.
- Belgium wants a win to secure top spot in the group.
- New Zealand will bet on defending and limiting the damage.
Prediction
Most likely result: 3-0 Belgium (alternative: 2-0 Belgium)
- New Zealand win: 5%
- Draw: 12%
- Belgium win: 83%
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium's creative beacon.
Final verdict, Confidence: high
Belgium is far superior and should win comfortably. Barring a historic upset, it will control the game against a limited New Zealand.