Belgium cruise past New Zealand 5-1 to advance to World Cup knockout stage

Belgium’s 5-1 win over New Zealand in Vancouver pushed the Red Devils into the World Cup knockout stage, finishing top of Group G. Romelu Lukaku’s late header helped confirm first place as Belgium dominated from the start. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the first half after Tim Payne’s deflection fell to him close to goal. Trossard added a second shortly after the break, converting Kevin De Bruyne’s pass before De Bruyne scored again in the 66th minute. Elijah Just pulled one back for New Zealand with six minutes left, but Lukaku restored Belgium’s cushion two minutes later and Alexis Saelemaekers added a stoppage-time fifth. Belgium now face a third-placed group team in Seattle on Wednesday.