VANCOUVER, British Columbia — For two games, Belgium had been stumbling. Two draws. Two performances that left fans wondering if the golden generation had finally rusted beyond repair. Then came Friday night at BC Place, and suddenly, mercifully, the Red Devils remembered who they were.
The result? A brutal, beautiful, borderline-unfair 5-1 demolition of New Zealand that sent Belgium storming to the top of Group G and into the Round of 32. For the All Whites, it was a heartbreaking end to a campaign that promised so much—and extended a record they desperately didn't want.
Let's break down exactly how this one unfolded, because trust me, there was a lot to unpack.
The Trossard Show
If you blinked in the first half, you might have missed it. But if you were paying attention, you saw Leandro Trossard announce himself as Belgium's undisputed star of the night.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Kevin De Bruyne—because of course it was De Bruyne—whipped in a corner that New Zealand's defense simply couldn't clear. The ball bounced around in a messy scramble, and there was Trossard, reacting faster than anyone else, poking it home from close range.
0-1. The floodgates were creaking.
But here's where it gets interesting: Trossard nearly had a penalty earlier in the half too. He went down in the box, the referee pointed to the spot, and then—VAR intervened. After reviewing the footage, the official decided it wasn't a penalty after all. Cue the groans from Belgian fans and the sighs of relief from New Zealand supporters.
Trossard didn't let it bother him. He just got on with it. And boy, did he get on with it.
After the break, he grabbed his second—a composed finish that effectively killed the game. 0-2. Then 0-3. Then you started to wonder: how many are they going to score?
De Bruyne Rolls Back the Years
Let's be honest: Kevin De Bruyne hasn't been at his absolute best this tournament. The man who ran midfield for Manchester City like a chess grandmaster had seemed... well, human. A bit tired. A bit off.
Not on Friday night.
De Bruyne was everywhere. Dictating. Spraying passes. And then, in the second half, he did what he does best: he scored a stunner. A reminder that, even at this stage of his career, he can still produce moments of pure magic. His first goal of the group stage, and what a time to get it.
0-4. Game, set, and match.
Lukaku Enters, Chaos Ensues
Now, here's the thing about Romelu Lukaku: he doesn't always start, but he almost always makes an impact. Coming off the bench, the big man did what big men do—he rose above everyone and powered home a header.
0-5. Belgium were running riot.
New Zealand did manage a consolation goal through Elijah Just late on, a moment of pride for the All Whites in an otherwise miserable evening. But Belgium weren't done. Alexis Saelemaekers added a fifth in stoppage time, tapping home from Lukaku's assist.
Final score: New Zealand 1-5 Belgium.
The Bigger Picture: Group G Chaos
Here's where it gets really dramatic.
Belgium finished top of Group G with five points. But they weren't the only team on five points—Egypt also finished with five after a chaotic 1-1 draw with Iran. So how did Belgium win the group? Goal difference. Belgium's plus-four was better than Egypt's plus-two. That's how fine the margins are at this level.
But the real drama happened in the other game. Iran thought they had snatched a last-gasp winner against Egypt deep into stoppage time. Shoja Khalilzadeh turned home a loose ball, and Iranian players erupted in celebration. Then VAR stepped in. Offside. Marginal. Cruel.
The goal was ruled out. Egypt held on for the draw. And instead of Iran advancing as runners-up, Egypt now face Australia in the Round of 32.
Iran? They're left waiting, nervously checking their phones, hoping they qualify as one of the top-eight third-placed teams. As one BBC Persian reporter put it, considering everything happening off the pitch—the war involving the host country, travel restrictions, protesters at all three matches—just being in this position is a major achievement for Iran.
What This Means Going Forward
For Belgium, this is a massive statement. After two draws, they finally showed the world what they're capable of. They'll face a third-placed team in Seattle on Wednesday in the Round of 32. On paper, that's a favorable draw. But Belgium fans know better than to get too comfortable—this team has a habit of making things difficult for themselves.
For New Zealand, it's the end of the road. The All Whites are out, and here's a sobering stat: they've now gone winless in nine World Cup matches. No nation has a longer active streak. That's tough. Really tough. But there were moments in this tournament—glimpses of quality—that suggest New Zealand football is moving in the right direction. Just not quite there yet.
The VAR Debate Rages On
You can't talk about this match without mentioning the elephant in the room: VAR. And the fans are furious.
One message to the BBC read: "I'm sorry, but nobody will ever convince me that a toecap, kneecap or fingertip is giving a player an unfair advantage. These VAR decisions are completely spoiling the game. Utter elation to total dejection is not good for the fans or the game".
Another fan, reacting to Iran's disallowed goal, wrote: "VAR has just killed an incredible end to the game based on a players toenail, Iran have been robbed".
And honestly? It's hard to argue with them. The technology is supposed to make the game fairer, but moments like these make you wonder if we've lost something in the process. The raw emotion. The spontaneity. The beautiful chaos of football.
Final Thoughts
This was a night of contrasts. Belgium, finally clicking into gear, reminding everyone why they were once ranked number one in the world. New Zealand, brave but outclassed, leaving the tournament with their heads held high but their hearts broken. Iran, celebrating a goal that never was, waiting for a verdict that could define their tournament.
And VAR, as always, sitting in the middle of it all, making everyone angry.
As the BBC's live commentary put it: "Goodness me. That was a dangerous amount of drama to try to absorb before breakfast on a Saturday morning".
Welcome to the World Cup. It's never boring.
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