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VANCOUVER — Belgium winger Leandro Trossard came up big for a team that needed a spark, scoring twice in its dominant 5-1 win over New Zealand.
This win moves Belgium from third to first in Group G, securing its spot in the Round of 32. New Zealand is officially eliminated, completing its third World Cup without a win.
Star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s goal in the 66th minute was enough to give Belgium a better goal differential than Egypt, thus leading to Belgium winning Group G. Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers' goals added onto the scoring late in the second half.
A group stage highlighted with underwhelming performances paid off in the end for Belgium. Two games with the only goals coming from an own goal did not meet the expectations of the world No. 10 ranked team. This convincing win over New Zealand provided the exact momentum Belgium needs heading into the knockouts.
The Belgian golden generation silenced the critics and lives on for at least one more match. Belgium will face the third place team from group A, E, H, I or J in the round of 32 in Seattle on Wednesday, July 1.
Derek Oliveros is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Belgium advances to World Cup knockouts, sends New Zealand home
Continue reading...
This win moves Belgium from third to first in Group G, securing its spot in the Round of 32. New Zealand is officially eliminated, completing its third World Cup without a win.
Star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s goal in the 66th minute was enough to give Belgium a better goal differential than Egypt, thus leading to Belgium winning Group G. Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers' goals added onto the scoring late in the second half.
A group stage highlighted with underwhelming performances paid off in the end for Belgium. Two games with the only goals coming from an own goal did not meet the expectations of the world No. 10 ranked team. This convincing win over New Zealand provided the exact momentum Belgium needs heading into the knockouts.
The Belgian golden generation silenced the critics and lives on for at least one more match. Belgium will face the third place team from group A, E, H, I or J in the round of 32 in Seattle on Wednesday, July 1.
Derek Oliveros is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Belgium advances to World Cup knockouts, sends New Zealand home
Continue reading...
