Finally, Belgium Arrived: 4 Takeaways From The Group-Clinching Win vs. New Zealand

How quickly this game of ours can change. 

Belgium, which had been extremely disappointing in the 2026 World Cup, finally shook off its inhibitions and won emphatically, 5-1, over New Zealand on Friday night in Vancouver.

As a result, the Red Devils avoided an early embarrassment. And, just like that — with some late drama from substitutes Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers — they secured top spot over Egypt in Group G, thanks to a greater goal difference. A brace from Leandro Trossard and another one from Kevin De Bruyne secured the win in a complete performance, and this was exactly what the doctor ordered. 

As for New Zealand, after a well-earned point against Iran on the first match day, the Kiwis sadly lost back-to-back matches and bowed out of the World Cup.

Here are my takeaways:

One of the reasons why we have appreciated Belgium for many years is the aesthetically pleasing football. At its best — thanks to the talent at its disposal and specifically in the midfield — the Red Devils push the ball forward with so much ease. 

Thats what happened Friday. From the first whistle, Belgium pushed, dominated possession and, when entering the final third, it changed from a 4-3-3 to a 2-2-7 formation. Fullbacks played as wingers, wingers as forwards, Aston Villas Youri Tielemans directed all the play and De Bruyne essentially turned into a striker. More on them later. 

But the point was to be more fluid up top and not have a target man. In fact, they were all the targets.

Trossard put on that Arsenal title-winning confidence to good use tonight with a great brace too. He was excellent tonight. The cherry on top was Lukakus goal, as he came on as a late substitute to rescue the goal difference. And then Saelemaekers added the exclamation point. 

But overall, as far as Rudi Garcias entire team was concerned for tonight, it was a great performance from a national team, which finished in third place at the 2018 World Cup. Perhaps this is the start of a momentum for Belgium. 

After the birth of his first child, a son named Praise, alongside his wife Shireen, Dokus teammates undoubtedly praised — sorry, I had to — his return to the lineup.  

The Manchester City winger often plays like a video game character, where his change of direction and speed can be a nightmare for any opposing defender. 

Garcia, therefore, made him switch from right wing to left with Trossard on the other side, and New Zealand just couldnt deal with his trickery. 

He didnt score tonight, but he didnt need to. Doku is just a continuous weapon that does not stop to surprise you with his runs. When you have someone like him, everything becomes easier because he demands so much attention it opens space everywhere else. 

As a lifelong Aston Villa fan, you already know my thoughts on Tielemans, so it was disappointing to see him start so badly in this tournament, especially after having his best ever season in the Premier League and Europe. 

But Friday against New Zealand, he was fantastic as he played the role of conductor, directing the Belgian orchestra in the middle of the park. If the team enters the final third, it is almost always because of him.

Then theres De Bruyne, one of the finest attacking midfielders of the modern game. He turns 35 on Sunday, but based on tonight, you wouldnt have ever known, as he constantly penetrated the box and opened up opportunities for his teammates. In the 66th minute, he scored the teams third. 

Forget his passing, which is obviously world-class. Youth players should just watch his movement. It is tremendous. 

In the first half, Darren Bazeleys side had zero shots and only one touch in the box. It only managed 38-40% p