Trossard’s double and VAR’s cruel twist in Belgium’s rout of New Zealand

Belgium secured a 1-5 victory over New Zealand in their final World Cup group match. Leandro Trossard scored twice and set up Kevin De Bruyne’s third, while Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens added late goals to seal the win and top the group. The opening 25 minutes brought repeated misfortune for Belgium. Trossard’s shot, after a clever flick from Hans Vanaken, struck the post and was cleared off the line. VAR intervention later denied Belgium a penalty when Trossard’s effort hit the arm of New Zealand’s Michael Surman, with referee Makhadmeh reversing his initial decision. Trossard finally broke the deadlock after the break. He first forced a rebound off Vanaken, then converted it past goalkeeper Michael Crocombe with a composed finish. Minutes later, De Bruyne doubled the lead with a left-footed strike from just outside the box, following another assist from Trossard. De Bruyne’s goal came after a run of poor finishing, but he celebrated by pointing to the tattoo on his arm bearing his children’s names. The goal provided relief for a player who had struggled to convert earlier chances.

Belgium’s relief contrasts with Uruguay’s humiliation at the World Cup

Belgium’s lead was cut when Elijah Just pulled one back after being given too much space by Alexis Saelemaekers. The moment briefly threatened Belgium’s grip on top spot in the group, before Lukaku restored the margin with a header inside the first five minutes of his introduction. Saelemaekers redeemed himself by setting up the fifth goal, which completed a 1-5 victory and confirmed Belgium’s status as group winners. The result means Belgium advance to the next stage of the tournament. Trossard’s two goals and two assists marked him as the standout performer of the match. De Bruyne’s contribution included the assist for Trossard’s first and the goal that doubled Belgium’s lead.

Courtois crossed the pitch to honour Lukaku’s strike after Belgium win

Lukaku’s late header added a personal milestone, while Saelemaekers’ involvement in both the concession and the final goal highlighted his mixed impact on the game. Belgium now prepare to face their next opponent in the knockout phase, with momentum and confidence boosted by a convincing group-stage finish.