Belgium and New Zealand’s
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Thrashed 4-0 by Haiti in one of their final World Cup warm-up games, New Zealand always seemed unlikely to advance from Group G. The All Whites came into the tournament in woeful form, having won only one of their past 11 matches.
Though still searching for a first World Cup win at the ninth attempt, New Zealand have shown in their opening two games that they carry a genuine attacking threat. Elijah Just took both his goals extremely well in the 2-2 draw with Iran, while their set-piece prowess was on display even in defeat by Egypt, when Finn Surman headed home Tim Payne’s well-placed corner. They’ve also got Nottingham Forest plunderer Chris Wood.
The problem lies at the other end of the pitch. The Kiwis have conceded five goals in two tournament games and there is little boss Darren Bazeley can do to shake things up at the back, with his other defensive options consisting of unproven A-League players and 36-year-old defender Tommy Smith, who was relegated to the English sixth tier last year with Braintree.
This is in stark contrast to a Belgium squad packed with talent that feature for some of Europe’s top clubs. However, Garcia has been unable to get his players to deliver a performance of note and there is genuine concern they will suffer a second successive group-stage exit.
The return of Jeremy Doku, who missed the Iran game to attend the birth of his first child, could give the side some much-needed impetus but may not last 90 minutes. The Red Devils also need much more from the experienced quartet of Lukaku, De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard.
Belgium really should have far too much for New Zealand, but this is a side low on confidence and feeling extremely under pressure. An early goal would likely do them wonders.
New Zealand vs Belgium: Group G
FourFourTwo’s prediction
New Zealand 1-2 Belgium
FourFourTwo expects the Red Devils to do just enough to secure the vital three points they need to advance.
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