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How quickly this game can change.
Belgium, which had been extremely disappointing in the 2026 World Cup, finally shook off its inhibitions and won emphatically, 5-1, over New Zealand on Friday night in Vancouver.
As a result, the Red Devils avoided an early embarrassment. And just like that – with some late drama from substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers – they secured top spot above Egypt in Group G thanks to a greater goal difference. A brace from Leandro Trossard and another from Kevin De Bruyne sealed victory in a complete performance and it was just what the doctor ordered.
As for New Zealand, after a well-deserved point against Iran on the first matchday, the Kiwis unfortunately lost back-to-back matches and bowed out of the World Cup.
Here are my takeaways:
1. Belgium finally arrived at the World Cup
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
One of the reasons we have appreciated Belgium for many years is the aesthetically pleasing football. At their best – thanks to the talent at their disposal and specifically in midfield – the Red Devils push the ball forward with such ease.
That’s what happened on Friday. From the first whistle, Belgium pressed, dominated possession and when they entered the final third, changed from a 4-3-3 to a 2-1-7 formation. Backs played as wingers, wingers as strikers, Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans directed the whole game and De Bruyne essentially became a striker. More on them later.
But the point was to be more fluid at the top and not have a goalkeeper. In fact, they were all the targets.
Trossard put that Arsenal title-winning confidence to good use tonight with a big brace. He was excellent tonight. The cherry on top was Lukaku’s goal as he came on as a late substitute to save the goal difference. And then Saelemaeker added the exclamation mark.
But all in all, as for Rudi Garcia’s entire squad for tonight, it was a fine performance from a national team that finished third at the 2018 World Cup. Perhaps this is the start of some momentum for Belgium.
2. Jérémy Doku’s return ignites attack
(Photo by DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)
After the birth of his first child, a son named Praise, with his wife Shireen, Doku’s teammates undoubtedly – sorry, I had to – praised his return to the ranks.
The Manchester City winger often plays like a video game character, where his change of direction and pace can be a nightmare for any opposing defender.
Garcia therefore had him switch from right wing to left with Trossard on the other side and New Zealand just couldn’t handle his trickery.
He didn’t score tonight, but he didn’t need to. Doku is just a continuous weapon that never stops surprising you with its runs. When you have someone like him, everything becomes easier because he demands so much attention that it opens up space everywhere else.
3. Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne: A Brilliant One-Two Punch
As a lifelong Aston Villa fan, you already know my thoughts on Tielemans, so it was disappointing to see him start so poorly in this tournament, especially after having his best ever season in the Premier League and Europe.
But on Friday against New Zealand, he was superb as he played the role of conductor directing the Belgian orchestra in the middle of the park. If the team enters the final third, it is almost always because of him.
Then there is De Bruyne, one of the best attacking midfielders in the modern game. He turns 35 on Sunday, but based on tonight you’d never have known as he constantly penetrated the box and opened up opportunities for his teammates. In the 66th minute, he scored the team’s third.
Forget his demise, which is obviously world class. Youth players just have to watch his movement. It’s huge.
4. New Zealand got it all wrong – until it was too late
(Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)
In the first half, Darren Bazeley’s side had zero shots and just one touch in the box. It only managed 38-40% possession and just couldn’t create anything of value. It got better in the second, but it was too late.
The strategy was also confusing as it decided to sit back and allow Belgium to keep attacking the box with very little space to counter. It was the equivalent of a boxer asking to be hit with no plans to protect their face.
I have always felt that New Zealand’s best asset was its physicality and ability to hit opponents with the counter. Didn’t manage to do any of that tonight. Shout-out though to Elijah Just who had a great tournament with three goals.
In the end, Belgium were too strong, securing victory and finishing top of the group. Now it has to wait another day to see which team it faces in the Round of 16 in Seattle on Wednesday.
