Belgium top group g as Egypt qualify for first time, Iran still hope for round of 16

Belgium finally secured their first World Cup victory since beating Canada on 23 November 2022 (1-0) with a goal from Michy Batshuayi. Dominating both territorially and technically, the Red Devils crushed New Zealand 5-1 on Friday. Combined with Egypt’s 1-1 draw against Iran, this result propelled Belgium to the top of Group G, just ahead of the Pharaohs, who qualified for the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history.

Leandro Trossard, Belgium’s most consistent outfield player in the tournament, opened the scoring in the 28th minute. The Arsenal forward pounced on a loose ball after right-back Tim Payne mishandled it, firing home from close range. Trossard had earlier hit the post (11th) and seen a penalty appeal overturned by VAR, as the referee deemed the defender’s arm to be in a natural position (20th).

Belgium switched to a 4-3-3 formation with two playmakers, Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken, behind the forwards. They controlled possession but lacked calmness in the final third, often overplaying. At halftime, they already held second place in the group but needed to improve their finishing.

The liberating break after halftime

Jérémy Doku struggled for rhythm and power, though he occasionally beat his man on the left wing, only to lack precision in his final ball. Charles De Ketelaere showed a lack of sharpness in the box, while New Zealand began to find spaces late in the first half.

But Trossard struck again in the 50th minute, converting a De Bruyne assist after the initial shot was blocked. Coach Rudi Garcia then replaced Doku with Matias Fernandez-Pardo (56th) to inject pace and depth.

Fernandez-Pardo failed to finish a fine counter-attack led by De Bruyne and Trossard (65th). However, De Bruyne sealed the match by dispossessing a New Zealand defender before curling home his 30th international goal (3-0, 67th). That goal put Belgium top of the group on goal difference as Egypt were held by Iran.

Garcia’s substitutions paid off

Garcia then substituted Trossard for Alexis Saelemaekers and De Bruyne for Amadou Onana (72nd) to secure the result and rest key players. But Belgium lost concentration, allowing Elijah Just to pull one back (3-1, 84th). The introduction of Romelu Lukaku and Nicolas Raskin (85th) brought immediate reward: Raskin crossed for Lukaku to head home at the far post (4-1, 86th) — his 91st international goal and 12th in major tournaments.

In stoppage time, Saelemaekers added a fifth (90+4) after a pass from Lukaku, who had only played 64 club minutes all season. The 5-1 victory gave Belgium top spot on goal difference.

The initial objective is achieved, relieving the pressure on the Red Devils. They will stay at their Seattle base camp for the round of 16, with their opponent yet to be determined but the match scheduled for Wednesday at 10 p.m.

Egypt suffered until the end

Egypt battled to hold onto second place in Group G as Iran pushed hard for a winner. They needed a draw to qualify and clung on despite late drama: a Khalilzadeh goal was ruled out for offside in the 93rd minute, and Ezatolahi’s header hit the crossbar in the 96th.

The Egyptians fell to their knees at the final whistle, relieved to have qualified for the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time. The match started well, with Mahmoud Saber scoring early (5th) when his shot squirmed through a forest of Iranian legs. Mostafa Shobeir saved a Taremi penalty (11th), but Rezaeian equalized (14th), plunging Egypt into doubt in a scrappy contest.

The tempo dropped, fouls increased, chances dried up — until the final quarter-hour when Iran pushed for a winner in vain. They now hope results in other groups allow them to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.