Belgium Advances After Goal Fest; Egypt Survives Drama

Belgium surged into the World Cup knockout stage with a resounding 5-1 victory against New Zealand, clinching the top spot in Group G. The dominant performance erased doubts after earlier draws against Egypt and Iran.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for Belgium in the first half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse after a corner kick. He doubled the lead early in the second half with a determined effort. Kevin De Bruyne extended Belgium's advantage with a long-range strike, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal before New Zealand managed to pull one back.

Lukaku then set up Alexis Saelemaekers for Belgium's final goal in stoppage time. Meanwhile, Egypt faced a dramatic 1-1 draw against Iran. Iran had a potential winning goal disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR review in added time, despite having missed a penalty earlier in the match.

Both Belgium and Egypt finished with five points, but Belgium's superior goal difference secured them first place. Belgium now awaits a third-placed team from another group in the round of 16, while Egypt is set to face Australia.