Belgium need to find quick scoring fix ahead of New Zealand clash

Belgium enters their crucial World Cup Group G finale against New Zealand with an urgent need to find their scoring touch. Following two underwhelming performances, the Red Devils sit third in the group with two points, trailing leaders Egypt and second-place Iran. Their campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Egypt, where they created numerous chances but struggled to convert them. The alarm bells truly sounded during a goalless 0-0 draw with Iran, despite Belgium registering 23 shots, seven of which were on target.

Adding to their attacking woes, star striker Romelu Lukaku has been battling form and fitness issues. Winger Jeremy Doku missed the Iran game due to illness and a personal commitment, having flown back from England after the birth of his first child. However, Doku has rejoined the squad in time for the decisive match against the Kiwis, offering a potential boost.

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You can look at it one way, where the draws are maybe not so flattering to Belgium when they're probably favourites to win the group, and then, at the same time, we know how hungry they're going to be. They need to beat us to get out of the group, so yeah, we're definitely not underestimating them because of the draws.

New Zealand, currently bottom of the group with one point, remains a dangerous opponent. They have taken the lead in both of their previous matches, securing a 2-2 draw against Iran before falling 3-1 to Egypt. Despite Belgium's slow start, New Zealand forward Elijah Just acknowledged the pressure on their opponents. "They need to beat us to get out of the group, so yeah, we're definitely not underestimating them because of the draws," Just told Reuters.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia expressed disappointment with his team's finishing but remains confident in their ability to qualify. "We're still firmly in this tournament," Garcia stated. "Of course, we would have hoped to have already won one or even two matches, but now the situation is clear. We have to beat New Zealand, and we will beat New Zealand. We'll then have five points and will qualify, no matter what. There's pressure, but no panic."

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We're still firmly in this tournament. Of course, we would have hoped to have already won one or even two matches, but now the situation is clear. We have to beat New Zealand, and we will beat New Zealand. We'll then have five points and will qualify, no matter what. There's pressure, but no panic.