Can New Zealand pull off a shock? Preview of the clash against Belgium, June 27
On Saturday, June 27, the BC Place Arena in Canada will witness a decisive drama in the final round of Group G. The race for the Round of 16 is at boiling point: both New Zealand and Belgium enter their head-to-head with no wins to their name, turning this fixture into a classic do-or-die battle. While the Red Devils could, depending on the outcome of the parallel Egypt vs Iran match, scrape through with just a draw, the equation for the Kiwis is as simple as it gets—only three points will throw open the doors to a historic playoff berth.
New Zealand head into the final group stage match at the bottom of the table with a single point, but there's a lingering sense that their story isn't finished. The All Whites have shown surprising attacking audacity: they've led three times during the tournament (drawing 2-2 with Iran, then falling 1-3 to Egypt), but each time, catastrophic lapses in defensive concentration have cost them dearly. The islanders' main hope remains Elijah Just, the winger in electric form who netted both goals against Iran. New Zealand know full well that their illustrious opponents are vulnerable, and they won’t hesitate to go toe-to-toe, hoping to catch the European heavyweights off guard with rapid counterattacks.
Belgium, under French coach Rudi Garcia, have so far held onto the unwanted tag of the tournament’s biggest disappointment. Despite their galaxy of stars, the Red Devils have produced two drab draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0), with their only goal coming courtesy of an own goal from an Egyptian defender. Their attacking woes are compounded by selection issues—defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the last round and now serves a suspension. Garcia faces a barrage of criticism and must revive his misfiring attack, pinning all hopes on the individual brilliance of Leandro Trossard from Arsenal. For Belgium, scoring an early legitimate goal is absolutely vital to shake off the enormous psychological pressure.
The Vancouver showdown promises to be an emotional thriller, where nerves and composure under pressure will be decisive. Expect New Zealand to try and ramp up the tempo from the opening whistle, engaging the favorites in a gritty physical battle across every inch of the pitch. Belgium will look to dominate possession, relying on the experience and class of Trossard to methodically break down the underdog’s defensive lines. Despite the Europeans’ struggles and Ngoy’s absence, the vast gulf in individual quality and overwhelming motivation should ultimately tell—the Red Devils are finally tipped to end their goal drought and grind out a hard-fought but crucial victory thanks to their leaders’ skill.
Lineups
New Zealand: Crocombe – Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace – Stamenic, Bell – McCowatt, Singh, Just – Wood
Belgium: Courtois – Meunier, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper – Raskin, Tielemans – Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Trossard – Lukaku
Prediction
I believe New Zealand will put on a resilient and uncompromising display, making the most of their strengths. My prediction: Asian handicap New Zealand (+2.5) at 1.7
