Belgium finds its rhythm with five-goal rout to top Group G

Belgium reignited its attack in time to secure first place in Group G, routing New Zealand 5-1 on Friday to advance to the World Cup knockout stage. Leandro Trossard scored twice, with goals also coming from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers. The Red Devils had drawn 1-1 with Egypt and played to a goalless draw against Iran, but their emphatic win lifted them above Egypt, which fell to second after a 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle. Belgium will stay in Seattle for the round of 32 on Wednesday against an as-yet-undetermined third-place team, with the possibility of a last-16 clash versus the winner of the United States-Bosnia and Herzegovina tie. Belgium’s first-half penalties and a goal-line check were confirmed by video technology, and New Zealand’s tournament hopes ended.