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Kevin De Bruyne scored, Romelu Lukaku bagged a goal with his first touch off the bench, and Leandro Trossard ran riot as Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to surge to the top of World Cup Group G.
After a shaky start to their campaign, the Red Devils delivered a statement performance in Vancouver on Friday night. The 5-1 demolition didn’t just secure top spot — it served notice that Belgium’s so-called “golden generation” might have one more run left in them.
Match Summary: Belgium 5-1 New Zealand
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| **Competition** | 2026 FIFA World Cup – Group G |
| **Venue** | Vancouver, Canada |
| **Result** | Belgium 5 – 1 New Zealand |
| **Belgium Scorers** | L. Trossard (2), K. De Bruyne, A. Saelemaekers, R. Lukaku |
| **Man of the Match** | Leandro Trossard (9/10) |
The Trossard Show
While all eyes were on Belgium’s superstars, it was Leandro Trossard who stole the spotlight. The Arsenal winger scored twice — once on each side of halftime — and had a penalty overturned by VAR. He was simply unplayable.
“Trossard put New Zealand in a blender all night long,” GOAL’s match report noted, awarding him a 9/10 rating. For a player often overshadowed by bigger names in this squad, Friday was his moment to shine.
De Bruyne and Lukaku: Still Got It
Kevin De Bruyne rolled back the years with a vintage performance. The Manchester City maestro dictated play from midfield, took shot after shot, and finally found the net for Belgium’s third goal. He earned an 8/10 rating.
Then came the moment every Belgium fan wanted to see.
Romelu Lukaku entered as a substitute and scored with his first touch — a thunderous header that sent the Belgian supporters into ecstasy. He followed it up by setting up another chance moments later. For a player who has been the face of Belgian football for over a decade, it was a perfect reminder of his quality.
Ratings Overview
| Player | Rating | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| L. Trossard | **9/10** | Two goals, constant threat |
| R. Lukaku | **9/10** | Goal with first touch off the bench |
| A. Saelemaekers | **9/10** | Goal + dangerous runs |
| K. De Bruyne | **8/10** | Vintage midfield masterclass |
| T. Courtois | **6/10** | Quiet night, one solid save |
What This Means for Belgium
The win lifts Belgium to the top of Group G, setting up a favorable knockout draw. More importantly, it gives the Red Devils something they’ve been lacking: momentum.
After two underwhelming group-stage performances, questions swirled about whether this team’s time had passed. The golden generation talk is long gone, replaced by realistic expectations. But Friday night showed that when the stars align — De Bruyne pulling strings, Lukaku finishing chances, and role players like Trossard stepping up — Belgium can still be dangerous.
Manager Roberto Martinez earned a 9/10 for his tactical setup and substitutions, with Lukaku’s introduction perfectly timed to put the game to bed.
FAQ
Q: Where does Belgium go from here in the World Cup?
A: Belgium topped Group G and will advance to the Round of 32 knockout stage. They’ll face a yet-to-be-determined opponent, but the momentum from this 5-1 win makes them a dangerous dark horse.
Q: Is this Belgium’s last chance with this generation?
A: Likely yes. De Bruyne (35) and Lukaku (33) are approaching the end of their international careers. But Friday’s performance showed they still have quality to offer.
Q: Who was the best player on the pitch?
A: Leandro Trossard was named Man of the Match with two goals and constant attacking threat. But Lukaku’s instant impact off the bench was arguably the most memorable moment.
Q: How did New Zealand perform?
A: New Zealand were outclassed from the start. They managed one goal but were never truly competitive against a motivated Belgium side fighting for group leadership.
Final Verdict
Belgium reminded the world why they were once the No. 1 ranked team in football. With De Bruyne orchestrating, Lukaku finishing, and Trossard providing the X-factor, this team has the pieces to make a deep run.
The golden generation talk may be over — but this generation isn’t done yet.
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