Belgium imposed their authority from the outset at BC Place, taking the lead through Leandro Trossard at 00:27:25 and extending it to 0-2 by 00:49:47. The early strikes set a tone that New Zealand struggled to reset, especially after halftime when Belgium added another goal to push clear.

The attacking volume was overwhelming: Belgium produced 10 shots on target and 16 off target, while New Zealand managed just 2 on target and 3 off target. The 5 goals came from efficient finishing, with a conversion rate of 50% from on-target shots, underscoring Belgium’s clinical finishing once chances were created.

Key creative phase came through the Belgian midfield and forward line, with Hans Vanaken delivering an assist for Trossard’s second goal and later involvement in a second setup. Nicolas Raskin provided an assist at 01:26:00 and Romelu Lukaku set up the final strike for Saelemaekers at 01:34:00, highlighting a well-connected build-up that unlocked NZ’s defense multiple times.

Set-piece activity also played a part, with Belgium registering eight corners to New Zealand’s five, maintaining consistent pressure and creating repeated opportunities even when the ball was not in the back of the net. Offside counts remained even at one apiece, while fouls favored New Zealand (10 to 7), indicating a more aggressive approach as they chased the game.

New Zealand’s discipline stood out slightly, with two yellow cards against their name and no infractions punished by bookings for Belgium. The foul tally suggests NZ attempted to disrupt Belgium’s rhythm but could not stem the flow of attacks. Overall, NZ’s defensive organization was repeatedly breached by high-tempo Belgium transitions.

Tactically, Belgium’s approach combined high pressing with rapid transitions through central corridors, enabling quick link-ups between Vanaken, De Bruyne, Trossard, and Lukaku. New Zealand appeared compact at times but could not sustain ball progression in the final third against the relentless Belgian pressure. The result hinged on Belgium’s superior shot quality, volume, and finishing efficiency, plus sustained set-piece intensity.

From a betting lens, the decisive elements were Belgium’s finishing efficiency and the higher volume of goal-scoring chances (10 on target, 5 goals) along with the 8 corners that kept up pressure throughout. The lack of cards for Belgium contrasted with NZ’s two cautions, suggesting Belgium maintained tighter discipline while remaining proactive in attack.

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