Belgian attackers spark five goal frenzy to seal top spot
Leandro Trossard scored twice to guide a rejuvenated Belgium past New Zealand with a clinical 5-1 victory at BC Place, locking down the top spot in Group G. This decisive outcome in Vancouver officially punches the ticket for the Red Devils into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
Total control belonged to the European side from the opening whistle, leaving their opponents without a single shot attempt before halftime. Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute, poking the ball home after a chaotic scramble inside the penalty box. Early in the second half, the Arsenal attacker doubled the lead with a sharp acrobatic finish following a brilliant initial save from Max Crocombe.
Kevin De Bruyne extended the lead by curling a beautiful long-range strike into the net after a direct run by Trossard opened up the defense. While Elijah Just managed to grab a consolation goal for the Oceania qualifiers, the momentum never truly shifted. Romelu Lukaku quickly responded with a powerful header before setting up Alexis Saelemaekers for a final tap-in during stoppage time.
Historically, Belgium often starts global tournaments slowly before hitting peak form, echoing their memorable deep run during the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Image Courtesy: ANI
