Belgium thrash New Zealand 5-1, through to World Cup last 32

Belgium secured their spot in the World Cup knockout stages with a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday, finishing atop Group G. The Red Devils' convincing win, their first of the tournament, saw them advance to the last 32 ahead of Egypt on goal difference.

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard led the charge with two goals, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers each contributed to the resounding scoreline. Belgium controlled much of the match, though a penalty decision was overturned by VAR early on. Trossard broke the deadlock before halftime, and after the break, he doubled the lead.

De Bruyne extended Belgium's advantage to 3-0, a goal that proved crucial as it moved them into first place on goal difference. Despite a late consolation goal from New Zealand's Elijah Just, which briefly threatened to drop Belgium to second, Romelu Lukaku immediately responded with his first touch after coming on as a substitute. Saelemaekers then sealed the emphatic victory with a late strike.

Egypt claimed the second qualifying position from Group G following a 1-1 draw with Iran, who finished third in the group. The Belgians now look ahead to the challenges of the knockout rounds.