Belgium’s 5-1 rout of New Zealand exposes World Cup group-stage flaws

Belgium’s 5-1 demolition of New Zealand in Vancouver secured top spot in Group G, but the manner of their victory masked deeper concerns. A side built on individual brilliance still relies on moments of defensive fragility to expose its flaws. With the knockout stages approaching, Belgium must address its recurring lapses if they are to progress beyond the round of 32.

Group-stage dominance overshadows defensive cracks

Belgium’s attacking output was relentless, firing 35 shots at a New Zealand side ranked lowest in the competition. Leandro Trossard’s two goals, Kevin De Bruyne’s strike, Romelu Lukaku’s header, and Alexis Saelemaekers’ stoppage-time finish underlined their firepower. Yet the scoreline flattered a defence that twice allowed New Zealand to threaten—first when a penalty was controversially overturned in the 22nd minute after Elijah Surman blocked Trossard’s shot, then when Just’s 84th-minute goal briefly dragged Belgium into second place.

Their route to the top of Group G hinged on goal difference after two opening draws, a margin that could have vanished in an instant. New Zealand’s late fightback exposed Belgium’s vulnerability to set-pieces and individual errors, a pattern that has surfaced in previous tournaments. Belgium now face a far sterner test in the knockout rounds, where defensive lapses will be punished far more severely.

Trossard and De Bruyne seize the moment

Trossard, introduced as a second-half substitute, capitalised on his chances with clinical finishes in the 28th and 50th minutes. His first goal came from a corner, a poacher’s instinct that evaded New Zealand’s defence, while his second—a chest and volley—showed composure under pressure. The Arsenal forward’s performance offered a rare bright spot in a tournament where Belgium had laboured to find form.

De Bruyne, meanwhile, ended his World Cup goal drought with a low strike in the 66th minute, a reminder of his ability to dictate play. His goal sealed Belgium’s group win, but the midfield maestro will need to replicate such influence against sterner opposition. Both players delivered when it mattered, yet their contributions only partially obscured the broader issues in Belgium’s setup.

New Zealand’s exit masks broader questions

New Zealand’s tournament ended in Vancouver, but their performance raised questions about the competitiveness of their World Cup debut. They held Belgium for 65 minutes before conceding, and Just’s late goal briefly shifted the narrative. Their exit, however, should not distract from Belgium’s own shortcomings. Egypt’s draw with Iran meant Belgium’s fate hung on their own result, a scenario that underlined the fragility of their group-stage campaign.

Their path to the knockout stages was defined by inconsistency, a trait that could prove fatal against a team capable of exploiting defensive errors. With a round of 32 tie against a third-placed side looming, Belgium cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes.

Garcia’s balancing act

Belgium’s attacking talent remains undeniable, but their defensive structure lacks cohesion. The concession of a penalty, the failure to clear set-pieces, and the late collapse in concentration all point to systemic issues. Rudi Garcia must decide whether to prioritise attacking fluidity at the expense of defensive solidity or vice versa. The World Cup is no place for such experimentation.

Their next opponent will likely be a physical, direct side—precisely the type that can exploit Belgium’s defensive disorganisation. If Garcia’s side are to go further than the round of 16, they must address these flaws before their next match.

Belgium’s victory in Vancouver was emphatic, but it was not convincing. The knockout stages demand ruthlessness in both attack and defence. Until Garcia’s side can reconcile the two, their World Cup ambitions will remain hostage to their own inconsistencies.